In order to protect themselves from fraud and scams, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior issued a warning today, urging the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown email accounts and phone numbersThere are organized groups operating locally and internationally that use phone calls from various numbers or social media platforms, pretending to be someone they are not, in an effort to deceive individuals into providing personal identification information or bank card information for fraudulent purposes, according to a press release from the General Department of Security Relations and Media.

In the statement, the Cybercrime Control Department urges everyone not to respond to such numbers or emails and to report any suspicious activity through WhatsApp at number (97283939). By doing so, individuals can avoid fraud and scams.

The Ministry also emphasizes the importance of not sharing bank account numbers or their PINs with anyone. In addition, it discourages photographing debit cards or disclosing their passwords to others. 

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health opened a new ambulance center in Kabd - B. The center with ambulance will operate around the clock to serve the areas of Kabd, Farwaniya equestrian camps, the Fire Training School, and the Scout camp areas.

In a press statement, Dr. Ahmed Al-Shatti, Director of the Medical Emergency Department, said that this is the eighth ambulance center in the Farwaniya health district and the 77th in the country.

In addition to the center, MoH plans to open three other centers in the Ahmadi health area, including the University City Ambulance Center near West Abdullah Mubarak.

The head of the Kuwait Poison Control Center, Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Oumi said the center provides consultations and treatment plans for all workers in the health sector who take care of patients, who suffer from drug or chemical poisoning, or who are exposed to snake bites, scorpions and other toxins, through the hotline of the center that operates 24/7 throughout the year, reports Al-Qabas daily.

Al-Oumi indicated that the center includes specialized doctors, pharmacists and nurses who are trained on approved protocols for dealing with poisoning cases, noting that the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Society contributed to the success of the launch of the center, as it organized and encouraged the training of pharmacists in the training courses organized by the center, hoping that they will continue to cooperate with the center to monitor poisons to contribute to the scientific development of all medical staff and pharmacists in particular. He pointed out that the center, since the beginning of this year and even before its opening last week, during the trial period, dealt with about 600 different poisoning cases, including cases related to carbon monoxide inhalation during the spring camps. The most prominent cases handled by the Kuwait center include dietary supplements taken incorrectly, poisoning by some preparations and chemicals, poisoning by narcotics or radioactive substances, toxins of heavy metals, poisonous plants and mushrooms, bites of snakes, scorpions and some marine organisms.

The Secretary-General of the Kuwaiti Pharmaceutical Society, Ali Hadi, confirmed that the establishment of the Center in Kuwait is one of the important goals of the society, as it supported its establishment due to its importance and vitality in dealing with cases exposed to drug or chemical poisoning, etc. He indicated that the society participated in training elite pharmacists with scientific courses within Kuwait and abroad, to develop their capabilities in managing the center, in cooperation with Dr. Abdul Latif Al-Oumi. He stated that the center is expected to contribute to the development of the level of health services, by providing it with the most important requirements, medicines and medical equipment necessary for that, pointing to the association’s readiness to train any additional numbers of pharmacists in the future.

Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, has recently announced the introduction of a highly anticipated feature on WhatsApp called "Lock Specific Chats." This new addition aims to prioritize user privacy by allowing users to lock their chats with a password, making conversations on the popular messaging platform even more secure and confidential.

Benefits of the "Lock Specific Chats" Feature:
The "Lock Specific Chats" feature provides WhatsApp users with the ability to secure their conversations within a password-protected folder, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access them. This empowers users with an added layer of privacy and peace of mind, knowing that their locked chats are shielded from prying eyes.

Enhanced Confidentiality:
A significant advantage of this feature is that notifications for locked chats will no longer display the sender's name or message content. Instead, users will receive discreet notifications indicating the arrival of a locked message, thereby maintaining the confidentiality of their conversations. This ensures that even if someone glances at the user's notifications, they won't have any insight into the sender or the content of the message.

User Control and Security:
The introduction of the "Lock Specific Chats" feature grants users greater control over their messaging experience and strengthens their ability to keep sensitive information private. To lock a specific chat, users can simply long-press on the desired conversation, choose the "Lock Chat" option, and set a unique password. This password will serve as a requirement each time someone attempts to access the locked chat, providing an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

Alignment with End-to-End Encryption:
WhatsApp's commitment to end-to-end encryption aligns seamlessly with the introduction of locked chats. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the intended recipients can read the messages, adding an additional level of security to conversations on the platform. With the combination of end-to-end encryption and the new "Lock Specific Chats" feature, users can enjoy an enhanced sense of security and privacy.

A ministerial committee in Kuwait has recently forwarded a proposal to the Cabinet, suggesting the possibility of granting non-Kuwaitis the right to own investment residential properties within the country. This move aims to revitalize the economy and attract investments, preventing capital outflow from Kuwait.

Key Points of the Proposal:
The proposal outlines specific conditions for non-Kuwaitis to become eligible for property ownership. According to the proposal, a non-Kuwaiti individual, who is a permanent and legal resident of Kuwait, may be granted the right to own one residential apartment within an investment building. To qualify, the applicant must not have any judgments against them that violate honor or trust during their stay in Kuwait. Furthermore, the allocated apartment should be intended for the applicant or their family's residence, with a maximum area of 350 square meters. It is also required that the applicant does not already own another apartment in Kuwait.

Deliberations and Timing:
The proposal is currently awaiting discussion during the upcoming deliberations of the new government. These discussions are set to take place two weeks after the National Assembly elections scheduled for June 6. The aim is to thoroughly review and consider the potential implications and benefits of allowing non-Kuwaitis to own residential properties.

Economic Revitalization and Capital Attraction:
By permitting non-Kuwaitis to invest in residential properties, Kuwait seeks to boost its economy and retain capital within the country. The proposal's underlying idea is to attract external investments and prevent funds from leaving Kuwait. This move is expected to create opportunities for economic growth and stimulate various sectors, fostering a more vibrant investment landscape.

The proposal to allow non-Kuwaitis to own investment residential properties in Kuwait marks a potential shift in property ownership regulations. If approved, this measure could lead to increased economic activity, attract investments, and prevent capital outflow. The deliberations and discussions surrounding the proposal will play a crucial role in shaping Kuwait's property market and its overall economic landscape.

During an inspection campaign conducted by the Public Authority for Manpower, servants working at a Salmiya medical center on dependent visas were arrested.

Al-Rai daily reports that the Labor Inspection Department of the Protection Sector carried out the campaign in coordination with the tripartite committee (the Ministry of Health's Licensing Department, the Ministry of Health's Medical Drug Inspection Department, and the Ministry of Interior's Residence Affairs Investigation Department).

A person on a dependent visa was caught working as a nurse, and an administrative employee impersonated a doctor.

In addition to poor storage, the campaign revealed that some medicines had not been approved by the Ministry of Health.

The Public Security Affairs Sector, in collaboration with the General Traffic Department and the General Directorate of Rescue Police, conducted a large-scale and unanticipated security operation in various areas, including Shuwaikh Industrial, Hawally, Khaitan, Mahboula, Qurain Markets, and Jahra Industrial.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 63 expats violating the residency law, 40 expats with expired residency permits, 91 individuals without valid documentation, 23 individuals absconders, and 2 individuals with criminal records.

Additionally, 4 individuals were found in possession of drugs, 1 individual was caught peddling drugs, 2 individuals were caught with alcohol, and 1 individual was apprehended for drunk driving. The authorities also released 423 individuals who had committed minor offenses.

The land, air and sea ports especially at the border points there was unusual rush at the weekend with the application of the new biometric fingerprint for all arriving and departing passengers including citizens, Gulf nationals and expatriates, reports Al-Qabas daily. A security source said the so-called sensory fingerprint devices on third day of its application were accurate, efficient, and worked with high capacity and showed results in great speed, in collecting data of all people during the past 48 hours.

The source said the sensory fingerprint device needs only 120 seconds to detect counterfeiters and those wanted by law, and to record the security data of the person subject to the fingerprint. The source confirmed that the work on the new fingerprint system is in full swing so that everyone who resides on the land of Kuwait is subject to that fingerprint, in order to cut seize the wanted persons, counterfeiters and suspicious elements, pointing out that those whose residency expires will not be able to renew it except by submitting to the sensory fingerprint at the criminal evidences department in the six governorates.

The source pointed out that everyone who joins work in one of the ministries will also be subject to the sensory fingerprint, in addition to citizens who renew their passports. The source explained that the “Criminal Evidence Department”, in cooperation and coordination with the General Department of Information Systems, has distributed several devices for sensory fingerprinting to many sectors of the Ministry of Interior, such as criminal investigations, residence investigations, residence affairs and service centers. The source revealed that workers in those agencies have undergone a training course for the project, so that they can work on sensory fingerprint devices with accuracy and craftsmanship

A four-day working week is being explored by several companies in the private sector, since a shorter week has obvious economic benefits for companies and psychological benefits for workers.

It is becoming more popular in many countries around the world to reduce workdays to four per week in order to improve employee satisfaction and improve work-life balance.

Recently, a Kuwaiti technology company said it had increased employee productivity and motivation by reducing work days. There was also a decrease in absenteeism and less stress among employees at the company. Similarly, a marketing agency reported that the new working arrangement helped employees balance their personal and professional lives better. The agency also reported that the move led to better communication and collaboration among team members.

Several companies have stated that the four-day work week has also helped them attract and retain talent, as it is seen as a desirable benefit by potential employees.

In an effort to modernize Kuwait's labor laws and promote work-life balance, the government has encouraged companies to explore this approach. More companies are recognizing the benefits of reduced working days, so this trend is likely to continue.

Deputy Director General of Farwaniya and Mubarak Al-Kabeer Municipalities Eng. Nawaf Al-Kandari affirmed that building violations cannot be tolerated, and this is currently under the microscope, reports Al-Rai daily.

Eng. Al-Kandari said, “What is currently taking place in the two governorates is a process of listing the violating real estate, followed by several procedures such as issuing reports of violation seizures, and case reports to those concerned. From there, a precautionary block was placed on the violating property.

Judicial rulings have been issued to remove aspects of violations in the violating property, and to fine the owner of the property.”

Al-Kandari explained that he directed the oversight departments to take all legal measures in this regard, and intensify field inspections to reduce violations.

The precautionary block on real estate that is used for storage, such as investment and private housing, will not be lifted, and the basements will not be opened until all violations are removed.

The encroachments on state property in the two governorates are faced with severity without leniency, especially since the oversight teams have been instructed to monitor the infringement through tours or by receiving complaints. The reports must be submitted within two weeks only.

The concerned teams have taken all measures for removing the existing encroachments on state properties in industrial areas such as West Abu Fatira, Al Ardiya, South Khaitan, and Jleeb Al Shuyoukh markets.

In addition, Al-Kandari said the bachelors’ file is a top priority for the municipality’s senior management, including the State Minister for Municipal Affairs Fahad Al-Shula and the Director General of Kuwait Municipality Eng. Ahmed Al-Manfouhi, adding that a decision was issued to form a specialized committee to combat housing bachelors in private and model housing.

In the upcoming academic year, the Ministry of Education plans to introduce a fingerprint system for approximately 90,000 teachers and administrators in public schools. This initiative aims to enhance attendance control and improve administrative efficiency within the education sector, reports Al-Rai Daily.

As part of its ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline operations in the education sector, the ministry has decided to implement the fingerprint system. By utilizing biometric technology, the ministry seeks to accurately monitor and record teachers and administrators' attendance across various schools in the country.

With the fingerprint system, the ministry can track attendance effectively, ensuring that teachers and administrators are present during their designated working hours. This measure aims to enhance accountability and contribute to a more efficient educational environment.

The fingerprint system implementation is expected to have benefits. Firstly, it will provide an accurate record of attendance, enabling the ministry to address any issues related to absenteeism or irregularities in a timely manner. By automating attendance tracking, reducing paperwork, and eliminating manual record keeping, it will streamline administrative processes.

The Committee to Study the Prices of Services Provided by the Blood Bank and Laboratory Analysis confirmed that blood is not a commodity for sale or purchase, and the fee for expatriates is a symbolic fee for administrative procedures.

After one and a half years of study, the committee decided to impose a fee on expatriates in 2021. The fee is for administrative charges such as preserving and transporting blood bags and laboratory analyses. The fee is exempt in the event of a donor, which is for encouraging blood donation.

Patients who need blood transfusions and their derivatives, such as critical cases, children, and cancer patients, are exempt from these fees.

Also, the committee stated that it made strenuous efforts to compare these fees with those of other countries in the region, since they are still relatively low compared to the actual costs of blood transfusion and preservation services as well as the technical and administrative procedures involved.

As a result of imposing a fee, the committee anticipated that blood transfusion services would be rationalized and directed in the right direction.

An unidentified employee of the Ministry of Health has been sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labor by the Criminal Court, in a move seen as a deterrent and strict ruling.

According to the court's ruling, the accused did not receive treatment or visit any government or private clinic or hospital on the dates he claimed he was sick. Earlier the court had refused to release the suspect on any guarantee.

Kuwaitis have reportedly spent 4 billion dinars on travel in 2022, a jump of 69.5% bringing their total spending to more than 4 billion dinars, compared to an expenditure of 2.36 billion dinars, according to the preliminary data of Kuwait’s balance of payments for the past year issued by the Central Bank of Kuwait, reports Al-Anba daily. The expenditure hiked after the Kuwait International Airport became fully operational and the resumption of summer flights, nearly two years after the closure of the Airport and the tightening of travel procedures to prevent the spread of the Corona epidemic.

According to the daily, money spent by Kuwaitis on the travel item during the past year is considered the highest since the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, and the total spending during the first quarter of last year was 1.13 billion dinars, and in the second quarter 835.8 million dinars, and in the third quarter 1.1 billion dinars and in the fourth quarter it was 935 million dinars. In terms of spending by tourists inside Kuwait, it witnessed an increase, as their total spending reached 333 million dinars during 2022. On the other hand, the Central Bank data showed that expatriates’ remittances during 2022 reached 5.4 billion dinars, declining by about 2.17% compared to 2021, which was 5.5 billion dinars.

The balance of payments showed that commodity exports by Kuwait during the past year witnessed an increase of 49%, or the equivalent of 10 billion dinars, to reach 30.7 billion dinars, of which 28.8 billion dinars were oil exports, compared to commodity exports that amounted to 20.6 billion dinars, of which 19 billion dinars were oil exports. The significant increase in the value of Kuwait’s merchandise exports came in conjunction with the increase in the value of the country’s oil exports by about 51.1%, or the equivalent of 9.7 billion dinars, as a result of the rise in oil prices, which recorded their highest levels ever during the past year. In terms of the country’s imports of goods, their value was 8.6 billion dinars during the past year, compared to 8.4 billion dinars during 2021, with an increase of 3.3%, or the equivalent of 280 million dinars. The preliminary CBK data of the balance of payments for t2022, as well as the amended data for 2021, showed that the current account (which shows a summary of receipts and payments between the local economy and other economies with regard to transactions of goods, services, and income) recorded a surplus during 2022.

The Embassy of India, Kuwait, in association with Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC), with the support of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Union of Investment Companies (UIC), Kuwait organized an Investment Conference recently at Hotel Four Seasons, Kuwait City. A press release issued by the embassy said delegates from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Invest India, National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) comprising of high-ranking officials participated in the Investment conference.

The delegates from Invest India gave an elaborate presentation highlighting the emergence of India as one of the fastest growing economies in the world in recent years, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike. The Macroeconomic indicators justify the strong positing of India as a rising economy. The macro indicators show on the back of solid structural reforms and macroeconomic stability, India’s growth story has just begun. India is currently a $3.5 trillion economy, ambitiously aiming to be $5 trillion economy by 2025; India achieved the highest annual FDI inflow of $84.84 billion in FY21-22 as ‘Make in India’ focuses on 27 sectors to make India a manufacturing hub.

The highlights of macroeconomic indicators show US$ 7.1 billion FDI equity inflows in services sector in FY22; UPI-based transactions grew 121 percent in value and 115 percent in volume between 2019 and 22; India ranks as the second largest manufacturer of mobile handsets in the world in volume terms since over 200 units are manufacturing cellular mobile phones and parts/ components up from only 2 units in 2014. This is addition to India being a democratic stable governance regime and the largest democracy in the world; currently the United States is the leading economy in the world followed by China, Japan and Germany with India taking the fifth spot with $3.5 billion after being in the 10th position in 2014-15 with $2 trillion economy.

In a world increasingly reliant on technology, Kuwait is paving the way in airport, seaport, and land port security by implementing a comprehensive biometric system. This innovative project, successfully launched in March 2023, has now become fully operational since May.

Biometric Security: A Game-Changer for Kuwait's Ports

Kuwait's new biometric system is transforming the way security operations are carried out at its ports. The system collects multiple types of biometric data, including hand and palm prints, facial images, iris scans, and electronic signatures. This robust approach ensures a higher level of security and accuracy in identifying individuals passing through Kuwait's ports, strengthening the country's safety measures against potential threats.

1. Hand and Palm Prints: This biometric method uses the unique patterns of ridges and valleys on the fingers and palm of a person's hand. It's similar to fingerprinting but covers a larger area and includes additional features such as vein patterns. The unique characteristics of each person's hand and palm print make this a reliable method of identification. In the field of biometrics, hand geometry, which involves measuring and recording the widths of fingers, the lengths of fingers, and the width of the palm, is also used.
2. Facial Images: Facial recognition is a complex biometric method that maps facial features from a photo or video and compares this information with a database of known faces to find a match. This technology uses various data points, including the distance between the eyes, the width of the nose, the depth of the eye sockets, the shape of the cheekbones, and the length of the jawline.
3. Iris Scans: The iris is the colored ring around the pupil of the eye. Each person's iris pattern is unique and remains stable over time, making it a reliable biometric for identification. Iris recognition technology uses a high-resolution camera to capture a detailed image of the iris. This image is then converted into a digital template which can be matched against a database for identification.
4. Electronic Signatures: This form of biometric identification captures the unique way in which a person signs their name. This includes the speed of writing, the pressure applied, the angle of the stylus, and the overall rhythm and flow of the signature. Special software can analyze these characteristics and use them to verify a person's identity.
5. Face Photo: A face photo is a common requirement in many identification processes and is often used in conjunction with facial recognition technology. The photo provides a visual record of a person's appearance that can be used for manual verification if needed.

Streamlining Procedures with Automation

The heart of the new system lies in its automation. The use of automatic devices facilitates the reading and verification of travel documents, enhancing the speed and efficiency of processing travelers. This swift procedure also includes verifying the security features embedded in the documents to control forgery cases. Additionally, the system matches the collected biometric data with the traveler's identity, offering an extra layer of security.

Preventing Crime with Advanced Checks

The biometric system stands as a bulwark against crime and forgery. By allowing for thorough checks against local and international lists of prohibited individuals, the system controls the documentation of travel movement, preventing unauthorized individuals from entering or exiting the country. This forward-thinking approach is key to maintaining national security and stability.

Revolutionizing Vehicle Checks

Alongside individual checks, the biometric system also revolutionizes vehicle verification at land ports. Every vehicle is meticulously checked to ensure it is not included in lists of locally or internationally stolen vehicles. This crucial step is taken before documenting the vehicle's movement, further bolstering Kuwait's security.

Training and Infrastructure: Essential Pillars of the Project

The successful implementation of the biometric system didn't happen overnight. It involved meticulous planning, the provision of trained security personnel, the establishment of secure data centers, and the development of organizational steps to facilitate travelers' procedures. Each of these pillars has played a vital role in bringing this innovative project to life.

A Message to Travelers

With the implementation of the new system, the Saudi Embassy has informed its citizens about the requirements for traveling to Kuwait. The embassy statement emphasizes the necessity of a decimal fingerprint for all departures and arrivals through Kuwait's air, land, and sea ports.

Conclusion

Kuwait's comprehensive biometric system is an example of how technology can enhance national security. With its emphasis on automation, detailed checks, and efficient procedures, the system is set to redefine the security landscape of Kuwait's ports.

The General Administration of Customs said passengers coming from Iraq, Syria and Lebanon are barred from bringing into the country any foodstuffs of unknown origin or home-made products, reports Al-Anba daily. Acting Director General of the General Administration of Customs, Sami Muhammad Al-Kandari, has issued customs instructions listing preventive measures to prevent passengers from bringing in foodstuffs from some neighboring countries.

The instructions came based on the recommendations of the Common Diseases Committee between Humans and Animals, which recommended banning personal foodstuffs from countries where some diseases have been monitored and recommended the following – continuing to prevent the entry of any foodstuffs of unknown origin or home-made products accompanied by those coming to the country and food products are allowed to enter provided they are packaged by the food producing establishments.

Meanwhile , the Minister of Electricity and Water and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Mutlaq Abu Raqba has approved the partial list of employees eligible for the excellent job performance bonus, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources explained “the approval of the bonus payment for the rest of the employees will be completed within a month — after confirming that they fulfilled all the conditions.” Sources added the ministry will send messages to the employees included in the approved list, while affirming that Raqba is keen on disbursing the bonus to all deserving employees as soon as possible.

The delay caused by the Public Authority for Civil Information in issuing Civil IDs to expatriates has only increased the sufferings of the expatriate community (those who have renewed their residence permits), reports Al- Jarida daily. Each time a resident checks the status of Civil ID on the PACI website the screen fl ashes the familiar message the ‘Civil ID card is still being processed’.

The daily added, PACI continues to delay without any reason to the extent the expatriates face problems everywhere and do not even know when they will get their IDs as if we live in an unseen world, not the world of technological development and digital transformation and artificial intelligence, although neighboring countries complete their identities in a few minutes, without the person visiting the government agencies.

After canceling the “residence” sticker on the passport, non- Kuwaitis are exposed to a long journey in which they suffer from two things and problems inside and outside Kuwait when traveling, and despite the justification of PACI that the delay is due to the Corona pandemic in 2020, after 3 years the situation is still the same and to make matters worse no one knows who can be contacted. This is in spite of the Authority announced on Aug 10, 2020 its apology to citizens and residents for the delay in issuing and distributing cards, due to the Authority’s disruption for 4 months following the impact of the Corona pandemic.

Resuming
It announced that the delivery rate reached – after resuming work – more than 10 thousand cards per day, which means It receives 1.3 million cards per month, and 15 million annually, which is more than 3 times more than the population of Kuwait, while some visitors wait more than a year and do not receive their cards.

The authority confirmed that it receives 1.3 million cards per month but the reality of the situation is contrary to that. With great dissatisfaction, Al-Jarida opened the file of the delay in issuing the card, as it toured the Public Authority for Civil Information, to find out the reasons for the delay of the cards and asked some of the visitors about the status of their civil cards where they expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the current conditions and poor service at the PACI.

Expatriates pointed out that they rely heavily on the digital card (My ID) in completing personal transactions, but there are parties that require verification through the original card, which put them in the circle of returning some transactions until the new card is issued. They added that in parallel with the presence of 3 million people using my “identity”, there are parties, inside and outside Kuwait, that do not count. One of them indicated that the long wait for the new civil card has entered its tenth month, and the application is still under process stressing that the repeated review is to amend some information.

Kuwaiti, Gulf and other nationalities will be able to verify their face prints, fingerprints and electronic signatures on Wednesday at the land, air and sea borders using the central biometric system, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources.

In cooperation with the General Department of Criminal Evidence and Border Security Sector, the General Department of Information Systems installed the biometric devices last week in order to create the largest database for travelers. Sources disclosed that the system is connected to the borders of all Arab and Gulf countries to ease coordination and security follow up. This will prevent those wanted by law from fabricating documents, as their data will be revealed immediately.

The Kuwait Center for Poison Control was inaugurated Wednesday by the Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi. The center specializes in following up on poisoning cases, providing advice and treatment plans, controlling toxic substances, and coordinating with the concerned state authorities. In a press statement, the minister said that the center carries out a number of tasks and provides information based on scientific evidence regarding poisoning cases. Dr. Abdullatif Al-Oumi, the Center's Head, emphasized that the center specializes in organizing laboratory tests for toxins, preparing poisoning studies, coordinating with concerned authorities to monitor toxic substances, and training medical personnel.

Also, Dr. Al-Oumi noted that poisoning cases dealt with by the center include cases of poisoning caused by nutritional supplements, medicines, medical preparations, chemicals, narcotics, toxic fumes, foods, biological or radioactive toxins, heavy metal toxins, plants, or poisoning caused by poisonous mushrooms, snake bites, scorpions, or marine organisms of all kinds. Meanwhile, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health launched Wednesday an awareness campaign on the harms of tobacco, in cooperation with the National Anti-Smoking Program. Vice President of the Health Ministry’s National Anti-Smoking Program Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti said in a speech during the campaign launch that the ministry is working to reduce the number of smokers due to its negative effects on human health. Al-Shatti noted that smoking is not a “masculine behavior and includes both genders,” which calls for raising the level of awareness as well as control of sales of tobacco, preventing smoking in public places, and stop advertising and promoting it. In his statement, Dr Abeer Al-Bahou, Head of the Health Promotion Department and member of the National Anti-Smoking Program, said that tobacco harms “our health as well as the planet,” adding that the campaign aims to encourage governments to stop cultivating tobacco and to switch to crops that support farmers in improving food security and nutrition.