Responsabilidad de la gerencia de salud en la seguridad y atención de los pacientes: el caso del incendio en el Hospital Calderón Guardia

on july 12th, 2005, the fire that struck at the calderon guardia hospital, presented difficulties of evacuation of patients and the prompt attention of the fire due to a lack of security measures such as emergency ladders and working hoses; furthermore, the flames were induced, not accidental. in costa rica, there is a regulation, since january 2005, which indicates security measures necessary is case of a fire; although it？s considered by some to be very strict. the other hospitals of caja costarricense del seguro social, with the exception of hospital nacional de ni？os, do not count with the majority of security conditions required in case of a fire. the responsibilities of the caja costarricense del seguro social and the direction of each hospital to watch over the security of their patients y the quality of their attention, are analyzed. it is their obligation to guarantee the health of their patients.