This article is about the access of Costa Ricans to
public health care. It is based on an inventory of health
facilities, the 2000 population census, and the use of
geographic information systems (GIS). It also assesses
the changes in accessibility attributable to the program
of reform of the health sector and the corresponding
impact on equity of access to health care. The study
focuses in physical accessibility, i.e. that derived from
the place of residence and facility’s location. It does not