In line with a reform set into place by the Health Ministry, as of May 1, 2017, parking lots at Israel’s hospitals may not charge more than NIS 20 a day, as compared to some now charging three times that, NIS 60 a day.

The ministry has sent a draft of the new regulations to the nation’s hospitals, which also states that dialysis patients, persons with a disable parking permit, oncology patients and their escorts are all permitted to park without paying any fee for as long as they are compelled to come at least twice weekly. The same is true for public vehicles (ambulances and taxis) and families of soldiers admitted to a hospital.

In addition, if one chas v’sholom is admitted for over 14 days, they parking will be free from thereafter as opposed to 30 days prior to the reform.

Health Minister Yaakov Litzman had to obtain NIS 25 million from the treasury in order to push the reform through in an effort to ease the financial strain on persons parking in hospitals. It is explained in stage one, the reform will apply to government hospitals and then it will be expanded to private hospitals.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)