During the October 14, 2026 session of the Public Infrastructure and Canal Affairs Committee, it was reported that 75 healthcare structures had sustained damage following the October 9 earthquake. The presentation on health infrastructure described inspections, safety-related closures and care in alternative spaces. The figure belongs to the assessment presented that day: it does not establish that all 75 facilities were closed or provide an update on services as of October 17.

The presentation distinguished damage requiring structural assessment from problems that could be addressed through maintenance, cleaning or adjustments. It also noted that technical teams returned to inspect facilities after stronger aftershocks. This distinction matters when interpreting the inventory: a damaged facility does not necessarily stop providing all services, and an initial assessment is not equivalent to final authorization to occupy every area of a building.

Subsequent questions confirmed that some facilities remained closed for safety reasons and that efforts were being made to maintain care in tents or spaces near communities. Tonosí was cited as a location where care was provided in tents. For Mariato, the discussion described damage and the possibility of opening certain areas after necessary work. These describe the situation reported during the session, not later confirmations of reopening or guarantees about services currently available.

For patients and families, the most useful information is not simply how many buildings sustained damage, but where care continued and what alternatives could prevent unnecessary journeys. The hearing indicated that regional health directorates were posting available facilities and opening hours through their official channels. The committee requested that this information be shared and updated. The discussion also addressed access difficulties in remote communities and questions about medication delivery, without establishing that all those cases had been resolved.

This assessment expands on information previously published about activation of the Health Emergency Operations Center, but does not replace regional operational reports. Assessing recovery will require identifying which facilities resume services, which retain restrictions and which temporary arrangements remain in place. The figure of 75 must retain its date and scope: it documents damage reported to the National Assembly on October 14, not a count of closed hospitals or certification of the health network’s current operations.

Research assisted by Sentinel, with editorial verification of official sources. Discover Legislat.ai