www.CostaRicaTicas.com

Where did you get that information? As the following Tico Times article points out there are problems getting sufficient amount of donors there is a central blood bank. The article makes no mention of the CAJA donation centers refusing to provide blood to private hospitals so I wonder where you found that information. The only mention is that of the 34 donation centers 5 are located in private hospitals but does not say they do not share resources.

Low blood reserves threaten Costa Rica health care

Posted: Friday, June 22, 2012 - By Matt Levin

From the Tico Times print edition

During emergencies, Costa Rican doctors in many cases must scramble to find blood donors.

The lack of voluntary blood donations in the country has long been troubling for health officials. If a large highway accident occurred or a natural disaster took place, the head of the Central Blood Bank said Costa Rica likely would not have enough blood reserves to help victims.

Only 56 percent of Costa Rica’s blood donations come from voluntary donors visiting a blood bank, Central Blood Bank President Erna Meléndez said. The country receives 35,000 voluntary donations per year, when hospitals require almost double that to be sufficient.

As a result, when transfusions are needed, hospitals rely on less-efficient methods.

“When there are special operations, like a transplant or an accident, we have to run and make a call for donations,” Meléndez said. “Here frequently you’ll see in the media, ‘Hospital X needs blood donors.’ This is evidence that the country doesn’t rely on an adequate system to provide a reserve in cases of an emergency.”

The problem with receiving donations from family – and the lack of voluntary blood donors as a whole – is that when people are compelled to donate because a family member or friend is ill complications can arise. A donor might not be healthy enough to give blood or might not be a match.

Doctors are trying to change attitudes toward blood donation in the country. A bill in the Legislative Assembly called Ley Nacional de Sangre (National Blood Bill) would reorganize the way blood donations are done in the country. Health officials want national blood-donor campaigns, a more centralized system and better use of resources for “procurement, storage and distribution of blood products.”

The Central Blood Bank has been holding blood drives at universities, imploring healthy donors to give this month. World Blood Donor Day was June 14. The next drive will be held June 27-28 at Universidad Latina’s Heredia campus, north of San José.

Meléndez said foreigners can donate as long as they have residency in the country. Blood donors in Costa Rica must weigh more than 50 kilograms and be 18 years or older. Donors also will be interviewed about their medical history (a recent tattoo or piercing, for example, would disqualify a potential donor). Before making a donation, Meléndez recommends eating a light meal. The 10-minute procedure removes approximately 450 milliliters of blood, which the body replenishes the same day.

Local campaigns have been successful, Meléndez said, but most Costa Ricans do not make regular blood donations a routine.

“There still doesn’t exist a culture of donations, said Gerardo Solano, a doctor in the health care services unit at the Health Ministry. “It’s the same with organs too. More than anything, the [bill] is to promote donation, whether it’s organ donors or blood donors.”

Solano, who sent the text of the bill to The Tico Times, highlighted that one of the main purposes of the legislation would be to organize national blood-donation campaigns and explain why donating is a necessary “public good.”

One paragraph in the bill stresses this point, saying: “A society that is able to have enough volunteer blood donors will have a better quality of life, because to be a regular volunteer blood donor, it is necessary to maintain healthy lifestyles.”

Costa Rica has 34 donation centers. Most are in public hospitals, although five private hospitals also have donation sites. These centers receive little promotion.

In fact, Meléndez often needs to expose myths about blood transfusions to potential donors. She said some patients believe that donating blood can make a person gain weight or that doctors reuse equipment for withdrawing blood. The misinformation and lack of enthusiasm strains a country with limited blood supply and a shortage of voluntary donors.

Said Meléndez: “The Central Blood Bank lives day by day.

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Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

ID:

I was given the data about no blood bank and no "sharing" between CAJA and private hospitals by three different doctors in three seperate discussions. One was on a flight from IAH to SJO. The other two were in San Jose proper. I believe them. From the link I provide below from an old thread, you will see I was taken to task, but no real data was supplied by the know it all. Too, I have had three associates expire via bleeding out whilst in Clinica Biblica because of blood supply snafu deally bobs. I shall email Clinica Biblica and inquire about their PRIVATE blood bank and if there is sharing, but since you live there, perhaps you might make some phone calls yourself.....to doctor(s) and hospitals?

I don't live in Costa Rica. If I did, I'd make damn certain one way or the other relative to any public blood bank and the sharing between the "elite hospitals" and the CAJA hospitals. The three doctors each told me "People bleed to death because we don't have the blood they require....". I don't believe they were funnin' me, either. Too, as the links below note......NEVER demand admittance to an "elite" hospital following an emergency......get stablized in a CAJA facility and then transfer to the "elite"; At least that is what three different doctors, unknown to each other, have told me. *shrug*

It would be great, since you live there (I think) if you or someone else would put the matter to factual rest. Me? I ain't takin' no chances until I know for sure....and even then I'm still going to accept a stretcher ride on the skids of a Huey back to the USA if I get jacked up......

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=36090&hilit=blood is a thread that while conflictual has some good links. Trust me my brother, there is NO sharing between the CAJA hospitals and the private "more better" hospitals" when it comes to blood. People just die. Believe me or not. It really makes no never mind to me. My sources are impeccable and unimpeachable.

But simple blood transfusions aren't the focus of this thread anyway. Getting quality medical care for serious matters is the issue. Please.

PS: Here is a link: http://news.co.cr/national-blood-bank-c ... nors/8887/ I really do not believe there is a co-ordinated CENTRAL blood bank in Costa Rica when compared to the USA or those in Europe. After all, it's Costa Rica. Roll them pair o' dice Greengo keeps referring to, eh?

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I am not going to get into a drawn out discussion as to the existence non-existence of a central blood bank in CR and the sharing of resources. But I have to point out that you are doing exactly what you took another to task for in the tread you referenced and that is you have supplied no real data to back up your assertions. Conversations with 3 doctors are anecdotal at best.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

If you are bleeding, of course you need PRB's packed red blood cells tht don't cross match yours, fresh frozen plasma, and a saline solution to keep volume. But if they don't stop the bleeding asap, you odds are slim, unless they have enough units of your type to keep you going until they plug it which you have been informed is lacking. Trauma victims bleed out from severe internal injuries because they are too severe or they don't get the complex general surgery or interventional surgery in time. They aren't going to be putting you on a plane in that condition, nor transferring you. I don't know the quality of SJ hospitals trauma teams. God knows they see enough of it which should sharpen their skills. But obviously supplies & equipment are equally as important. Also, in the US, anesthesiologists are the ones that monitor your hg levels, hemoglobin, during surgery. They went on strike in the public hospitals in SJ last year for 10 days or so. You can imagine the chaos.
Still, I always buy the insurance for $40 from medex.

I have just gotten off the phone with Clinica Biblica: 1-800-503-5358

A. They do NOT share their private blood bank blood, plasma, or whatever with any other hospital, public or private.
B. The CAJA hospitals do NOT share their individual blood supplies with ANY private hospital and may or may not share with the other public (CAJA) hospitals. Depends. (On excactly what, I have not clue one).
C. Clinica Biblica staff did NOT KNOW if the "Central Blood Bank" shared blood with the private hospitals. They would have to find out (in my view, a BAD sign; indicating NOT).

Bill Cook
Operations Manager
International Department
Hospital Clinica Biblica
Telephone:(506)2522-1414
Toll Free: 1-800-503-5358
Fax:(506)2257-7307

The data above is not encouraging and underscores the question asked by the original poster (me): Should a Guy Purchase medical/trip insurance? (mostly to be air ambulanced back to the US of A or wherever).

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I am sure shipping a casket in the belly of an airliner is a LOT cheaper than a medevac jet charter.
I think the OP has done us a service and is getting flamed unnecessarily.

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It is cheaper to pay now and get it over with.
It is also easier to get them to leave.

Not sure how you came to the erroneous conclusion that the OP was flamed. He has not mention the cost of repatriation anywhere in this thread.

The subject of costs was brought up by another poster and even in the posting on the actual cost there was acknowledgement that travel insurance was a wise investment.

I do not consider offering factual information flaming but if that is your definition so be it.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

duplicate post

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I repatriated a Polish national from Chicago to Warsaw 6 years ago. Granted airfares from Chicago to Poland are obscene. With the embalming, a casket, the pine box around the casket, delivery of him from the morgue to the embalmer/funeral home, delivery of all that to O'Hare, all in all was about $15,000 if I remember, but that included a one day service at a chapel, so take a few grand off. Mind you I didn't scrimp on the casket, but it is hard to believe that even in CR you can get transportation to the embalmer, get somebody embalmed, put even in a cheap casket, pay for the custom made pine box around the casket for protection, then transported to the airport, and then the price of air cargo/freight for something that size, all for $2-3k. I would venture that air freight alone in 2012 would be in that range. Your embassy article said "prep and air shipment 2-3k". Maybe it meant prep for air (the box around the casket) and air fare only. Common sense says 2-3 thousand dollars does not include the whole 9 yards.

And my friend had me to do it--he had no one else here. So how does all this get done for one of us in CR? Not for free, that's a given. Sure probably someone from home will fly down immediatley to do it as soon as they find out--a day, 3 days, a week later? Ching ching on the storage. Add how much for the expense of that flight and return, room, board, incidentals, etc. Not cheap as we know. And it isn't easy. You need to get our emabassy out there to put a diplomatic seal on the coffin and there was a bunch of paperwork that had to be submitted prior. Maybe the Polish consulate in Chicago requires more than US consul, but I am sure it's not a quickie.

$40 or less for the med evac and the repatriation coverage is worth it.

Thanks for the "real world" example, DGD.

The expenses associated with air ambulance to get one from CR back to the USA are incredible and that's my personal focus. I don't give a hoot what they do with my dead body should that ever happen. I hope it's one big mess for a pretty boy to have to clean up, too!

Irrespective, my original reason for posting this thread was to point out the options people have available to them for a mere pittance and also to underscore "pura vida" don't neccesarily mean there's a decent blood supply or even hospital network existent in CR. After umpteen trips and explorations one has to confront the veneer like qualities that exist in a country which treats only 2.6% of it's raw sewage and wants to call itself an "eco tourist destination."

Then, there is the issue of crime and battery upon a person: When I first started going to CR, I never took cabs, walked all about at all hours, through all parks, blah, blah, blah, blah and did so with impunity. The stroll between the Blue Marlin and Hotel Castillo at 2am never struck me as dangerous. The Sunday strolls from Hotel Castillo up to the Best Western struck me as interesting and the best fried plantain I've ever had was eaten in a shanty bar/soda in that....what...Zona Roja.......; I could tell it was a bit on the rough side, but I wasn't buggin' anybody.....they weren't buggin' me, either. Then I allowed this here message board to creep into my head. Maybe I was foolish back then....or maybe violent crime is just on the increase. I dunno.

What I do know is that it is my opinion that trip insurance is worth the small change associated with the overall costs of any trips....and not for the purposes of fixing my busted electronic gear but to semi-mend my old self and get me back to the Mayo Clinic for more better medical outcomes. As I noted earlier, I would once again ride on a stretcher strapped to the skids of a Huey if need be....all the way from SJO to RST if that's what it takes. Prefer a jet, though......AFTER I'm stabalized in a CAJA hospital. Thanks.

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I suppose the repatriation part of the insurance isn't that important as long as you have a directive for cremation or your family has you cremated in CR, and/or buried in CR. Your urn could be shipped in a UPS parcel for small $$$. That's a personal, family, or religious issue, but obviously thousands of dollars cheaper.

I went to a funeral mass this morning in my ancient old Irish neighborhood Catholic church. The deceased was or was to be cremated, getting more and more popular if you haven't noticed. Her urn was not in the church. I'd seen urns in other faith's services. A friend told me today that the Catholic church does not allow it because the canons say we believe in the ultimate resurrection of the body, spiritually. Not sure if all of this is true, but I know her urn/ashes weren't there. Looking at google, the Catholic church allows it after a Requiem Mass. Confusing. I think for most modern Catholics, economics, and not faith issues, are the driving force, and maybe a tad of family tradition in the mix. Me, I want to be in the family plot, in whole, don't really know why.

Trust me to not be espousing this but here's the Catholic Church's position on cremation and the rationale for that position:
http://catholiceducation.org/articles/r ... e0085.html
The same from an American Catholic perspective: http://www.americancatholic.org/newslet ... ac1097.asp

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

Okay let’s use some common sense.

Common sense says you cannot extrapolate the costs associated with repatriating the remains of a Polish citizen from Chicago to Poland with the costs of repatriating the remains of a U.S. citizen from San Jose to the United States. Cost of local funeral services, distance of travel involved, possible differences in governmental permits and fees are just a few of the variables.

As to the embassy information sheet here is the complete section that deals with costs:

"Cost of burial in San Jose is about $800 without embalming and approximately $1800 with embalming. The cost does not include the grave, the cost of which will vary according to the area where the cemetery is located (costs vary between approximately $2000 and $4000.)

Cremation is available at a cost of about a $1000, including preparation and temporary storage of the body. Shipping of the ashes to the U.S.costs approximately $600.

Should you prefer to have the remains returned to the U.S. for burial, the costs would be substantially greater due to the high costs of air freight and embalming. The total cost for preparation and air shipment is approximately $2000 to $3000. Please be aware that preparation and air shipment of remains is carried out in accordance with the laws of and the facilities available in Costa Rica. In most cases the service falls short of those expected in the United States"

As to the necessity of a friend or relative having to travel to Costa Rica to handle arrangements that is not necessary. The embassy will provide next of kin with an authorization form where they give the embassy the power to“work as a liaison with the local authorities, dealing with the funeral home of your choice and carrying out your instructions regarding remains disposition.“

They also provide the names of some local funeral homes and the contacts for them. Naturally while the embassy will provide the coordination necessary they DO NOT pay any of the expenses. They do however provide a contact in the State Department in Washington who can receive the necessary funds from the next of kin and advise the embassy in Costa Rica that the funds are in hand and the arrangements can be carried out.

Unless you are familiar with the death of a U.S. citizen abroad you do not realize just how deeply the embassy gets involved with the process. I have been involved with both the cremation of U.S. citizens as well as the repatriation of remains of U.S. citizens and I can attest to the accuracy of the costs quoted by the Consul in his hand out.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

Well I'll be darned. Good to know.

So I stand corrected. Don't buy the insurance for $40. Call the embassy and they will have someone dispatched with priority and get all the certificates and papers, transport you from the morgue to the embalmer, crated x2, and to the airport.

You'll be home "before the devil knows your dead" as we Irish say. You'll have the US embassy dealing with the local authorities on your behalf and they can crack the wip with the Tico's. And the fees will be the same as if you were there.

The Polish consulate took 8 days to get out to put their seal around Wally's coffin, granted it was Christmas time. But, the American embassy in SJ is very much on top of things.

Repeating some info perhaps but here is the US Embassy's take (includes 3 funeral parlors with cremation facilities and one that contracts it out): http://costarica.usembassy.gov/emergenc ... tates.html

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED