Parking at Podgorica’s KBC: How the City Profits from the Sick and Employs Shady Characters
Did you know that since May 1st, the City of Podgorica started charging for parking right next to the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KBCG)? The price? A whopping 0.70 euros per hour. And this isn’t just any fee — it has sparked outrage among citizens, especially those who visit daily for check-ups, therapies, or accompany seriously ill family members.
Sickness as a Business
KBCG serves nearly a third of Montenegro’s population and conducts over 3,000 specialist examinations daily. Yet, instead of easing access for patients, the city decided to charge them extra for their suffering. Patients and their companions have no access to the main ramps except in emergencies, forcing them to use nearby street parking where every hour is charged.
Shady Hiring and Tacky Ads
What infuriates citizens even more is that the parking revenue is used to fund the parking service which, according to DPS councilor Adi Jakupović, employs suspicious individuals and erects tacky advertisements around the city. Instead of investing money into improving services and easing citizens’ lives, it’s spent on unnecessary and questionable things.
Patients in Despair
An elderly patient undergoing chemotherapy for months describes her experience as outrageous: “They profit from our misery. I wait for hours to be seen, and then I have to pay for parking. My daughter isn’t allowed to drive me to the clinic; she has to carry me and leave me, then go find parking. My legs swell, therapies are tough, but none of that matters. When we’re done, we have to pay up to 45 euros for parking. Shame!”
Why No Response?
Although citizens demand a more humane approach — either free parking or at least special conditions for patients and their families — city authorities remain silent. Mayor Saša Mujović and the city administration have not addressed this issue, fueling suspicions that this is just a way to fill the budget at the expense of the most vulnerable.
Europe Now? Or Europe of Shame?
While many countries in the region already provide free or subsidized parking near healthcare facilities, Podgorica chooses to profit from its citizens’ illnesses. Is this really the European path or a disgrace for a city that should care for its people?
Conclusion
The City of Podgorica has found a way to top up its budget in the worst possible way — by charging for parking at KBC, employing shady people, and putting up tacky ads. All at the expense of sick and helpless citizens fighting for every day. Got thoughts on this? Feel free to jump into the conversation — maybe it’s time the citizens’ voice is finally heard!
Source: Portal Analitika, DPS councilor Adi Jakupović, Portal Press DOO
