Gran Canaria Council to Study Lowering Parking Fees at Insular Hospital

A motion by the PP party calls for analyzing the concession contract modification due to complaints about fees and facility conditions.

Generic image of the parking at the Hospital Insular-Materno Infantil in Gran Canaria.
IA

Generic image of the parking at the Hospital Insular-Materno Infantil in Gran Canaria.

The Gran Canaria Council has initiated a study for a potential reduction in parking fees at the Insular-Materno Infantil Hospital, responding to a motion filed by the PP party.

The island corporation has processed an initiative from the People's Party (PP) aimed at modifying the parking concession contract, currently managed by a private company. This decision addresses ongoing complaints from users and staff regarding what they deem excessive fees and the state of the facilities.
The motion, spearheaded by the PP's deputy spokesperson on the council, Pepa Luzardo, requests the insular government to prepare legal and economic reports to determine the feasibility of altering the current contract. Luzardo has denounced the parking lot's condition, describing it as "dirty, neglected, lacking security," and with a "tremendous bad smell," while criticizing the insufficient annual inspections.

"As things stand, what we pay is an abuse"

Pepa Luzardo · Deputy Spokesperson of the PP in the Cabildo de Gran Canaria
Among the potential avenues for fee reduction are reaching an agreement with the concessionaire company or, more drastically, terminating the contract if a breach of the terms of the tender is proven. Luzardo expressed confidence that grounds for rescission exist, arguing that maintenance and cleaning are areas of non-compliance.
Current rates have been described as "abusive and lacking empathy" by organizations like the Asamblea 7 Islas, which criticize private businesses profiting from the vulnerability of the sick. It was cited that a one-and-a-half-hour stay can cost 4 euros, with an hourly rate of 2.58 euros and a full day costing 18.95 euros.
In addition to parking, the charging for television use in hospital rooms has been highlighted as another unfair financial barrier for patients, a practice the union deems unjust.