Doha, December 11 (QNA) - Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) has announced the update of the parking regulations for its hospitals and facilities, incorporating the latest electronic technologies that include scanning and reading vehicle license plates without the need for paper tickets.

This update aligns with HMC's commitment to ensuring convenient access to parking areas for patients and visitors.

The gradual activation of smart gates will commence from 20 December 2023.

This system contributes to reducing waiting times at parking gates. When a vehicle approaches the gate, a camera will scan the license plate, offering a seamless and simple process. Additionally, it offers multiple payment methods; upon leaving the hospital, visitors or patients can input their vehicle's number for payment using a bank card.

Electronic payment can also be made by scanning the clearly displayed barcode at various locations within the parking areas, eliminating the need to visit payment points in the hospital lobby as previously required. Exempted patients can scan the barcode associated with their health card at payment kiosks.

The new update allows patients and visitors to HMC's hospitals to have a free entry period of up to 30 minutes in parking areas. After that, the fee will be QR5 for a stay of up to two hours, with an additional charge of QR3 for each extra hour thereafter, with a maximum charge of QR70 per day. These new fees align with those set by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

HMC's Chief of Health Facilities Development Hamad Nasser Al Khalifa said the implementation of the new regulations, including parking fees, will enable patients and visitors to access spaces when and where they need them.

Patients undergoing long-term treatments such as cancer and kidney dialysis are exempted from these charges. This also applies to vehicles driven by individuals admitted for overnight stays in the hospital for emergency cases.

Executive Director of Real Estate Management at Hamad Medical Corporation, and the Chair of Safe Access Transportation and Parking Committee at HMC Naji Al Mannai said "HMC has signed a contract with a leading company in this field, Mawaqif Qatar, to manage and operate our parking facilities.

This company has conducted a complete upgrade of the technology, systems, and gates, allowing for the development of the parking facilities to keep pace with the latest developments," Mr. Al Mannai said.

(QNA)