MAPUSA
After successfully putting a system in place to collect fees from non-Goans availing treatment in GMC and other district hospitals, the government has now decided to charge parking fees for private vehicles in government hospitals.
In a communiqué to the Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital and Director of Directorate of Health Service, the Under Secretary Health has directed that all private vehicles parking in hospitals – GMC, Bambolim, Asilo Hospital, Mapusa and sub-district hospital, Ponda – should be charged Rs 20 per hour.
“The hospital administration may explore the possibility of floating tender (on parking fees),” said Trupti Manerkar, Under Secretary, Health in her letter.
A senior official in the Directorate of Health Service confirmed that the proposal of pay parking in government hospitals was in the offing.
“There are several people who park their personal vehicles within the GMC compound and take a bus to Dabolim airport on their onward journey to Mumbai in the mornings. Later, in the evening they return and pick up their vehicles,” the official said while explaining how people misuse parking space.
He further said similar instances have been reported from other district
hospitals too.
The official, however, said a hike of Rs 20 was quite steep, especially for genuine persons who come to visit relatives admitted in the hospital.
Acknowledging the receipt of the order on parking fee, Dean of GMC, Dr Pradeep Naik said that GMC has not yet started to implement the proposal.
“We have submitted a fresh plan on parking fees and are awaiting instructions from the government,” Dr Naik said.
North Goa District Hospital (Asilo), Medical Superintendent, Dr Geeta Kakodkar said that although she has not received any order, she was aware of the plan to charge parking fees.
Incidentally, in the same order the government also plans to increase morgue charges to Rs 100 in all hospitals – GMC, Asilo, Hospicio and sub-district hospital, Ponda.
