Switch to free parking for some hospital visitors is subject of Senate hearing.

By THE STAR STAFF

A mid a legal dispute between the Medical Services Administration (ASEM) and the company managing the multi-story parking garage at the Puerto Rico Medical Center in Río Piedras, which holds a 40-year contract expiring in two years, questions have arisen about whether the company accurately reports the service’s revenue.

ASEM’s executive director, Regino Colón Alsina, stated that the issue came to light after both parties went to court over the construction of a multi-story parking garage for employees of the Medical Center, commonly known as Centro Médico.

The company, Medical Center Parking Associates LTD, argued that according to the contract, it was obligated to participate in the project; however, ASEM maintained that, since it is not for commercial purposes, the administration would not be affected.

The statements were made during a public hearing of the Committee on Transportation, Telecommunications, Public Services, and Consumer Affairs, chaired by Sen. Héctor Joaquín Sánchez Álvarez, regarding Senate Bill (SB) 1076, which seeks to introduce a reduced rate for companions of patients hospitalized for more than a week.

“Among the issues in the litigation is whether we are being informed of the true financial implications of the bill,” Colón Alsina said. “If we manage the parking facilities in the future, which is very likely based on our experience, and if we can achieve a free parking rate based on this bill, we will do so.”

Colón Alsina indicated that his intention is for ASEM to resume managing the parking lot when the contract with the company expires in 2028, instead of seeking another lessor through a bid.

ASEM supports the measure, he said, but sees implementation as difficult.

Although SB 1076 proposes providing relief to patients’ companions, several senators questioned whether its implementation would encourage hospitals to raise regular rates, whether visitors would have to identify themselves as companions to receive the benefit, or whether it would represent an onerous burden for a hospital sector already facing financial difficulties.