Families allege harassment by hospital parking staff

HARIPUR: Relatives of patients at the District Headquarters Hospital in Haripur have complained that the conduct of parking staff has become a source of added distress for visitors arriving for medical treatment.

According to attendants, staff members posted at the hospital parking area issue slips as soon as cars or motorcycles enter the premises, without making any inquiry, and often behave rudely with both male and female visitors. Complainants alleged that if anyone resists, the situation frequently turns into arguments, verbal abuse and aggressive behaviour.

Families of patients said they were already under pressure because of illness and treatment concerns, but parking workers allegedly demanded money in a forceful manner. They also alleged that no rate list was displayed and that receipts were often not issued, while asking about the charges often led to confrontation.

The complainants further said that elderly patients, women and children were also subjected to such treatment. Citizens have urged the deputy commissioner and the medical superintendent of DHQ Hospital to take immediate action against the parking contractor and employees accused of misconduct.