Minister Al-Huwailah tightens screws on Kuwait cooperatives

Minister Dr. Al-Huwailah announces amendments to enhance financial disclosure for charitable and cooperative sectors.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 8: Minister of Social Affairs, Family and Childhood Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailah has called for stricter monitoring of cooperative societies throughout Kuwait, warning that violations must be addressed promptly and those responsible held accountable without leniency, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Dr. Al-Huwailah said this during a visit to the Control and Monitoring Center for Cooperative Societies, accompanied by the acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs Faisal Al-Kandari. The visit focused on reviewing the center’s operations and monitoring the performance of cooperative societies and their branches. The minister stressed the need to make greater use of modern technology to identify violations, strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure compliance with approved decisions, circulars and regulations.

She also called for closer coordination between the Control and Monitoring Center and the relevant inspection departments, alongside intensified field inspections to ensure that violations and other observations are dealt with promptly. Dr. Al-Huwailah said protecting the rights of shareholders and consumers and safeguarding cooperative funds are among the top priorities for the ministry. She further emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability and good governance in strengthening the cooperative sector. In other news, Dr. Al-Huwailah has called for the immediate provision of all essential needs for residents of care homes and faster disbursement of tuition fees for beneficiaries of the Public Authority for Disability Affairs (PADA). Dr. Al-Huwailah stressed the importance of removing administrative obstacles and ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their financial entitlements without delay. She said this during an inspection visit to the Elderly Care Home and the Children’s Care Home, where she reviewed the standard of daily care and services provided to residents, as well as ongoing development works and facility improvements.

During the visit, the minister met with several residents and checked on their well-being and needs. She emphasized that providing a safe and comprehensive environment for the elderly and children is a priority for the ministry. Dr. Al-Huwailah directed officials to address any shortcomings immediately and continue improving facilities, services, and rehabilitation and recreational programs to enhance the quality of care. She also praised the dedication of employees and staff at the care homes, commending their efforts in fulfilling their humanitarian responsibilities. She affirmed that regular inspection visits would continue to monitor operations and ensure residents’ needs are being met, describing the care of the elderly and children as a humanitarian and national responsibility. In a separate development, Dr. Al-Huwailah, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Disability Affairs, chaired a meeting at the headquarters of PADA to review the latest developments concerning tuition fee payments.

PADA’s acting Director General, Dr. Khalifa Al-Hilal, the Deputy Director General for Financial and Administrative Affairs and Educational Services, and several department directors attended the meeting. During the meeting, Dr. Al- Huwailah reviewed the payments already disbursed and the procedures underway to settle outstanding amounts. She instructed officials to accelerate the process and address any administrative or financial obstacles that could delay payments. She also stressed the need for direct follow-up and stronger coordination among the relevant departments to complete the required procedures efficiently. Al-Huwailah reaffirmed that protecting beneficiaries’ rights remains a priority, emphasizing the importance of timely processing, accurate implementation, and ensuring that all eligible beneficiaries receive their entitlements regularly and without delay.