Poznań hospital parking fee of 1350 zł sparks controversy

On 7 July a man was admitted to the University Clinical Hospital in Poznań and spent nearly three days in intensive care. After discharge he returned to the hospital car park and was charged 1 350 zł for the three‑day stay, according to the tariff that costs 10 zł per started 30 minutes and caps at 72 hours.

The patient reported that he was locked in his vehicle without water or food while trying to arrange deferred payment, and that police said the matter was civil and could not be opened. The Ministry of Health stated that parking services are not covered by the National Health Fund or the state budget. Hospital directorate spokeswoman Ewa Żurowska said the hospital would review the case and "the fee will be cancelled" after the patient’s request, which was later confirmed.

The incident has triggered a broader discussion in Poland about the cost and management of hospital parking, the need for short‑term turnover, and the financial burden on patients who require longer hospitalization.