Parking ‘scam’: Patients pay 3 times more at Hamidia hosp

Bhopal: Visitors at Hamidia Hospital were allegedly charged three times the approved fee for two-wheelers and four-wheelers parking. Patients and attendants have raised strong objections after the rates were hiked by the parking operator. The fixed charge for parking at the govt-run hospital is Rs 10 for two-wheelers and Rs 20 for four-wheelers. However, attendants reported being asked to pay Rs 30 for two-wheelers and Rs 60 for four-wheelers. The operator claimed the revised fare had been approved and came into effect from April 1. He even printed new tickets reflecting the higher fares without authorization.When contacted, Hamidia Hospital medical superintendent Dr Suneet Tandon categorically denied any such hike. "No new fare has been approved. The operator has acted on his own," Dr Tandon said. He confirmed that a notice has been issued to the operator and indicated that penalties would follow.The hospital sees heavy daily footfall, with an estimated 2,500 patients visiting the Outpatient Department (OPD) and about 1,000 admitted in the Inpatient Department (IPD). Almost all attendants rely on the hospital's parking facility, making overcharging a widespread issue.Visitors reported that hundreds were compelled to pay inflated charges on April 1, sparking anger and confusion. "We were told the new rates were official, but later learned they were not," said Farhan, who paid Rs 30 believing the hike was genuine.