KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education (MOE) refused paying the salaries of bedoon teachers with expired security cards, said informed sources, noting that a number of them filed complaints saying that their salaries have been suspended since Sept 2018. The sources added that MOE refuses to pay the salaries until the teachers furnish valid security cards or proof that they are renewed.

New Jahra Hospital

Health Minister Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah said the new Jahra Hospital will be launched in phases starting by the end of July, adding that that the Ministry of Health (MoH) is currently seeking an international operator to run the hospital. Speaking on the sidelines of opening the Late Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Stem Cell and Umbilical Cord Center, Sheikh Basel said a large hospital such as the new Jahra hospital will be launched in phases according to well-studied plans and schedules. Further, Sheikh Basel said over 8,000 retiree health insurance cards (Afya 2) have been distributed so far through 46 distribution centers.

Social aid payment

The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to electronically connect its systems with the health ministry's general medical council and the overseas treatment department with the aim of regulating the payment of social aid according to disease categories. Informed sources said the linkage will help prevent unlawful payments and protect public funds, as it will provide the Ministry of Social Affairs with medical information about Kuwaitis applying to get social aid to decide whether applicants can or cannot work, whether their diseases are curable and the date of the diagnosis.

Excellent performance bonuses

The Ministry of Electricity and Water's (MEW) personnel department manager Mohammed Al-Othaina said special teams have finished reviewing the ministry's 22,000 employees' performance reports and prepared lists with those deserving excellent performance bonuses. Othaina added 15,000 employees from the ministry's workforce will get the bonus after passing the main condition of showing up to work for at least 180 days throughout the year.

Park kiosks

The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) plans to allow mini investments in public parks in the form of renting special sale booths or kiosks to entrepreneurs, said official PAAAFR sources. The sources added that PAAAFR had accordingly contacted the municipality and the municipal council and that some approvals are still pending.

By A Saleh