Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has introduced updated parking regulations for its hospitals and facilities, incorporating advanced electronic technologies that include the scanning and reading of vehicle license plates, eliminating the need for paper tickets.
Under the new regulations, patients and visitors enjoy a complimentary entry period of up to 30 minutes in parking areas. Subsequently, a fee of QR5 applies for a stay of up to two hours, with an additional charge of QR3 for each extra hour, capped at a maximum of QR70 per day.
This initiative aligns with HMC's commitment to ensuring convenient access to parking areas for patients and visitors, with the phased activation of smart gates scheduled to begin on December 20, 2023.
The smart gate system aims to reduce waiting times at parking gates. As a vehicle approaches the gate, a camera scans the license plate, streamlining the process. Multiple payment methods are available: upon departure, visitors or patients can input their vehicle’s number for payment using a bank card. Electronic payment is also possible by scanning the displayed barcode in the parking areas, eliminating the need to visit payment points in the hospital lobby as previously required. Exempted patients can use payment kiosks and scan the barcode associated with their health card.
Hamad Nasser Al Khalifa, HMC’s Chief of Health Facilities Development, emphasized that the implementation of the new regulations, including parking fees, will ensure patients and visitors have access to spaces when needed.
Patients undergoing long-term treatments, such as cancer and kidney dialysis, are exempt from charges, as are vehicles driven by individuals admitted for overnight stays in the hospital for emergency cases.
Naji Al Mannai, the Executive Director of Real Estate Management at HMC and the Chair of the Safe Access Transportation and Parking Committee at HMC, highlighted that HMC has partnered with Mawaqif Qatar, a leading company in this field, for the management and operation of parking facilities. The upgrade includes advanced technology, systems, and gates to keep pace with the latest developments.
The new regulations aim to ensure fair access to parking spaces, reduce wait times, and enhance overall accessibility for patients, visitors, and staff. Furthermore, electronic and ticketless valet parking services have been introduced in Doha, Al Khor, and Al Wakra campuses, improving efficiency and performance monitoring. As a value-added service, car wash services are also available in Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City for patients and visitors.