Government has no policy of charging of motor vehicle parking fees, but referral hospitals charge fees to raise non tax revenue, the Minister of State for Health (General), Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye has said.
“There is no policy on charging motor vehicle parking fees in government hospitals around the country; people are not required to pay,” said Dr. Tumwesigye (NRM, Sheem North). “However the management of referral hospitals, in a bid to raise revenue and reduce congestion, have decided to collect some fees.”
The Minister was responding to a question for Oral Answer asked by Hon. Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo (NRM, Mbarara) on whether there is a government policy to levy parking fees in government hospitals. The MP also inquired about the rationale of such a policy, if it existed.
Hon. Jospeh Ssewungu (DP, Kalungu West) said while the Shs 500 charged per vehicle in Nsambya Hospital was fair, the Shs 2000 per vehicle in Mulago Referral Hospital was exorbitant.
Minister Tumwesigye said that the Ministry could however work with Management Boards of the hospitals to ensure that the fees charged are commensurate with the people expected to visit the health facilities.