Costa Rica’s health minister steps down

Costa Rican Health Minister María Elena López Núñez on Friday afternoon submitted her resignation to President Luis Guillermo Solís, citing family and personal reasons.

“I hereby inform you of the decision to step down as Public Health Minister as of Feb. 16, for family and personal reasons I cannot avoid dealing with. It was an honor for me to work with a Cabinet formed by people of such high profile,” López said in her letter.

President Solís in a press release confirmed the resignation and said he thanked Dr. López “for her full commitment and professional work she provided the nation during these months. Her work at the ministry has been exemplary and worthy. She devoted her time in office to improving public health conditions in our country.”

López is Solís’ second minister to step down, following the resignation of former Public Security Minister Celso Gamboa earlier this month.

Health Vice Minister Fernando Castro Llorca will temporarily fill the post until the president names a replacement.