HMC Hospitals Implement Smart Gates, Charging Parking Fees After 30 Minutes

HMC launches smart parking from December 20, 2023, offering 30 minutes of free parking

Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has announced revised parking regulations for its hospitals and facilities, integrating advanced electronic technologies that include license plate scanning, eliminating paper tickets.

Under the new rules, patients and visitors to HMC's hospitals can enjoy a 30-minute free parking window. Subsequently, a QR5 fee applies for up to two hours, followed by QR3 per extra hour, capping at QR70 per day. This aligns with HMC's pledge to provide convenient parking access for patients and visitors. The phased introduction of smart gates will begin on December 20, 2023.

The system aids in minimizing wait times at parking gates. As a vehicle approaches, a camera scans its license plate, simplifying the process. For payment, visitors or patients can enter their vehicle's number using a bank card upon departure. Electronic payment is feasible by scanning a displayed barcode in the parking area, eliminating the need for previous in-hospital payment points. Exempted patients can use their health card's associated barcode at payment kiosks.

Hamad Nasser Al Khalifa, HMC’s Chief of Health Facilities Development, expressed that the new regulations, including parking fees, facilitate patient and visitor access to necessary spaces.

Patients undergoing extended treatments, like cancer or kidney dialysis, and those admitted overnight for emergency cases, are exempt from charges.

Al Khalifa stated, “Qatar’s population growth has strained parking due to increasing patient numbers at HMC. New facilities have heightened demand.” He continued, “The smart parking system ensures adequate and convenient parking for patients and visitors."

Naji Al Mannai, Executive Director of Real Estate Management at HMC, and Chair of Safe Access Transportation and Parking Committee, mentioned HMC's partnership with Mawaqif Qatar, a leading company in parking management. They've upgraded technology and systems to match current trends.

He highlighted, “The update aims to ensure fair access, reducing waits. The automated system improves parking availability and convenience for patients, visitors, and staff."

Furthermore, electronic ticketless valet parking is now available in Doha, Al Khor, and Al Wakra campuses. This enhances service efficiency and performance monitoring. HMC has introduced car wash services at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City for added convenience to patients and visitors.