The William Allen Hospital in Turrialba has won first place in a worldwide competition sponsored by the International Federation of Pharmacists. The Chief of Pharmacy, Giovanny Vargas Solano, won the prize with his work entitled "How Pharmacists Can Involve Themselves Completely in the Health of Their Patients".

The work was based on his experience in monthly visits to indigenous communities in the Chirripó mountain area over a 4 year period.  Vargas also invented a pictograph system that is used through out the CCSS (Social Security ), which allows doctors to explain to patients who can’t read or write what hours and days they must take medications they are prescribed. 

Today, 4 years, 3 months and 11 days after his murder, the trial in the case of Parmenio Medina begins. The first accusations will be  brought against a Columbian, John Gilberto Gutiérrez, who is alleged to have been the mediator between the people who killed Medina execution style and those who paid to have the act done. 

The trial is under the jurisdiction of the Penal Court of Heredia, but will be held in the San José courthouse for reasons of security and space.