To mitigate the levy charged on car parking within the premises of the private hospitals in Lagos State, the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) has urged the state government to revoke the fee while highlighting their essential services.
The payment of parking fees was initiated by the Lagos State Parking Authority.
Speaking with The Punch in an interview, Dr Raymond Kuti, the GMD President described the newly levy imposed as over taxation while stressing on the negative effect it will have on patients bills.
The report noted that a hospital (name withheld) in Ikeja was billed N40,000 for a single parking space, totalling N240,000 annually for six slots.
The GMD President argued that private hospitals, like schools and fire stations, provide essential services and should not face extra levies.
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“This is the first time hospitals are being sanctioned for their clients parking in front of their hospitals,” he said while alleging that some blue-chip companies have similar bills on the island and in Surulere.
The Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Lagos chapter, had earlier criticised multiple taxes and regulations, saying they hinder hospital operations.
Dr. Jonathan Esegine, ANPMP Chairman, warned that these rising costs increase medical bills as hospitals transfer expenses to patients.
The GMD President urged the state government to review the policy, noting that public hospitals and schools do not charge parking fees.
He added, “This occurrence will definitely get to private schools at the rate the state government is trying to raise revenue.”
Lagos Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotosho, defended the fees, stating that LASPA has the right to charge businesses, including hospitals, for using government-managed spaces.
He noted that visitors to government hospitals also pay. He further reminisced over the effort of the created parking system while asking for the support of business owners to achieve the reform.
