A proposal to scrap parking fees for people with disabilities at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) has gathered political momentum after the Strategic Thinking Bloc formally tabled the initiative in Parliament, arguing that patients should not be forced to pay extra while seeking essential healthcare.
The proposal, led by Strategic Thinking Bloc president and Salmaniya area MP Ahmed Al Salloom along with four fellow MPs, has been referred by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to the services committee for detailed review.
Mr Al Salloom
Mr Al Salloom said the move was driven by repeated complaints from people with disabilities and their families, many of whom make frequent visits to Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment.
“People with disabilities already face physical and medical challenges every time they visit hospital,” he said. “The last thing they should have to worry about is paying parking fees every time they attend an appointment or receive treatment.”
He noted that many patients require regular visits to outpatient clinics, the emergency department, eye clinics and ENT services, meaning parking charges accumulate over time and become an unnecessary financial burden.
“Those using wheelchairs, crutches or other mobility aids cannot be expected to park long distances away simply because of parking costs,” Mr Al Salloom added. “They deserve easy, dignified and free access to healthcare facilities.”
Mr Bu Onk
Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said exempting people with disabilities would affect only a limited number of users while making a significant difference to their daily lives.
“The financial impact on the parking project would be minimal, but the humanitarian value would be enormous,” he said. “Governments are judged not only by infrastructure projects but also by how they care for vulnerable members of society.”
Mr Bu Onk called for a practical mechanism allowing eligible patients to enter and exit all Salmaniya parking facilities free of charge, either through the official disability smart card or a dedicated parking permit.
“The technology already exists,” he said. “What is needed now is the decision to implement it.”
Dr Al Dhaen
Bloc member MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen said healthcare services should always place patients’ needs ahead of administrative procedures.
“Accessibility is an essential part of healthcare, not an optional service,” she said. “Removing parking fees for people with disabilities would ease financial pressure, reduce stress and allow patients to focus on what truly matters – receiving treatment.”
She added that the proposal reflects Bahrain’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities and promoting equal access to public services.
The calls come as SMC continues operating its expanded parking project, which provides more than 2,000 parking spaces to meet growing demand and improve services for patients and visitors.
Supporters of the proposal hope the development will now be complemented by what they describe as a simple but meaningful humanitarian initiative, ensuring that people with disabilities can access all parking areas at the kingdom’s largest public hospital without paying fees.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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