Streamlining Vehicle Parking in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa: A Strategic Approach

Background: Teaching Hospital Batticaloa (THB), the largest tertiary care facility in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province, faces heavy daily traffic with over 400 motorcycles and 60 cars entering its premises. Disorganized parking has long caused congestion, delays in patient transfers, security concerns, and a poor institutional image.
Objective: To streamline the vehicle parking in Teaching Hospital Batticaloa through a strategic intervention.
Methods: A mixed-method intervention was conducted over three months (May–August 2025). Quantitative data were collected through daily observations using a structured checklist for a week pre- and post-intervention phase, while qualitative data were obtained through a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with security officers and a Key Informant Interview (KII) with the hospital director at pre- and post-intervention phases. The intervention included (i) a vehicle pass system, (ii) an online tracking mechanism for monitoring violations, and (iii) identification of designated parking zones.
Results: Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant reduction in nonadherence to parking rules for both cars (t = 13.43, p < 0.001) and motorcycles (t= 17.24, p < 0.001). Thematic analysis showed improvements in vehicle organization, safety, staff and patient experiences, and hospital aesthetics. Unauthorized entries decreased by 80%, and no security incidents were reported during the study period.
Conclusions: The structured parking system markedly improved hospital order, safety, and professional image. This low-cost, governance-driven initiative demonstrates how systematic planning and digital monitoring can enhance operational efficiency and patient-centered service delivery in healthcare institutions.