Mobile Mammography Initiative brings Critical Cancer Screenings to Rural Costa Rica
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A collaborative effort between a hospitality group and the Costa Rican Social Security fund (CCSS) delivered vital breast cancer screenings to over 100 women in the Guanacaste region, addressing a critical need for preventative care in underserved communities.
On November 4, 2025, Reserva Conchal, the hospitality division of FIFCO, completed a two-day mobile mammography event in Brasilito and Matapalo. The initiative provided free screenings to 104 women, significantly impacting access to early detection services.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Guanacaste
The program was designed to proactively address healthcare disparities in rural and coastal areas of guanacaste. A mobile mammography machine was strategically positioned near the brasilito Public Force, making screenings accessible to women who might or else face significant barriers to care.
“These types of actions reflect the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors,” stated a senior official with Reserva Conchal. “Health is one of our pillars. Investing in prevention saves lives and strengthens the social fabric.”
The success of the event hinged on close coordination with the CCSS and Dr. Johnny Ruiz, coordinator of the First Level of Health Care of Santa Cruz. This partnership streamlined appointment scheduling, patient outreach, and the allocation of resources, ultimately reducing wait times for crucial screenings.
FIFCO’s Commitment to Sustainability and Community Health
This initiative is a key component of FIFCO’s broader sustainability philosophy, wich prioritizes equity and access to essential services. As 2023, the company has been actively involved in cancer prevention programs, culminating in the 2024 acquisition of the mobile mammography unit.
The investment in the mobile unit represents a significant step toward providing direct care to neighboring communities. According to a company release, the program aims to expand preventative healthcare options, particularly for those in remote locations.
The collaborative approach demonstrates a powerful model for addressing public health challenges through strategic partnerships. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both the public and private sectors, initiatives like this can deliver tangible benefits to communities and improve health outcomes.
This program underscores the importance of proactive healthcare investment and the potential for collaborative solutions to bridge gaps in access to vital medical services.
Why it happened: The initiative was launched to address significant healthcare disparities in rural and coastal Guanacaste, where access to preventative cancer screenings is limited. FIFCO, through Reserva conchal, recognized a need and sought to leverage it’s resources for community benefit.
Who was involved: The key players were Reserva Conchal (FIFCO’s hospitality division), the costa Rican social Security Fund (CCSS), and Dr. Johnny ruiz, coordinator of the First Level of Health Care of Santa Cruz. The program directly benefited 104 women in Brasilito and Matapalo.
What occurred: A two-day mobile mammography event was held on November 4, 2025, providing free breast cancer screenings to 104 women.The mobile unit was strategically located to maximize accessibility.
How it ended: The event successfully concluded on November 4, 2025, with all scheduled screenings completed. FIFCO intends to continue expanding preventative healthcare options through the mobile unit, building on this initial success and furthering its commitment to community health. The CCSS will follow up with patients regarding results and any necessary further care.
