Al-Huwaila: Expand Integrated Services Experience in Central Markets
Dr. Amthal Al-Huwail, Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood, has directed efforts to expand the integrated services model within the central markets of cooperative societies in the coming period, thereby providing essential services under one roof and facilitating consumers’ access to their daily needs.
This directive came during a field visit by Al-Huwail to the new headquarters of the Al-Rawda and Hawalli Cooperative Societies, to review operational progress and the level of services provided to members and local residents. During the visit, she inaugurated the “Tannour” bakery after its renovation within the central market, and reviewed the initiative to house bakeries, a Tannour oven, and a pharmacy within the same facility.
Al-Huwail praised the pioneering experience of the cooperative, which represents the first of its kind to provide bread and Tannour ovens inside a central market. She emphasized the importance of cooperative societies continuing to develop their services and facilities, enhancing performance levels and service quality, thereby reflecting their vital role in meeting societal needs and supplying essential goods in an organized and appropriate manner.
She stressed the importance of developing central markets and promoting the concept of integrated services, which saves time and effort for consumers, keeps pace with advancements in display and preparation methods, and strengthens consumer confidence in cooperatives. She confirmed that field follow-up to advance cooperative work would continue.
Al-Huwail also visited the cooperative’s pharmacy, commending the high level of organization and the quality of services provided through this vital and important health facility.
During her meeting with senior ministry officials, she emphasized that proactively and regularly monitoring files, providing updates, reporting on completed tasks, identifying implementation obstacles, and proposing solutions to address them are responsibilities of executive leadership.
She highlighted the necessity of providing practical solutions and well-considered alternatives when facing obstacles in services and programs, while taking into account the impact of any proposal on beneficiaries, ensuring service continuity, and enhancing coordination among ministry sectors to accomplish shared objectives.
She reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of information and documents, and not issuing or publishing statements or news related to ministry affairs unless officially approved. She also stressed strengthening oversight, protecting public funds and beneficiaries’ rights, and taking necessary measures regarding any violations.
The meeting reviewed the progress made in the development stages of the platform, discussed its components and operational mechanisms by relevant departments, and addressed questions and observations raised by the minister to ensure the platform’s readiness and operational efficiency.
Al-Huwail emphasized the importance of accelerating the completion of technical and administrative procedures, noting that a significant portion of the platform has been completed and entered the final review stage, paving the way for a trial launch before its official announcement in the near future.
For his part, Dr. Sayed Eissa, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs and Cooperative Affairs, and Director General of the General Administration of Planning and Administrative Development at the Ministry of Social Affairs, stated that “the experience will be expanded to include the development of all Tannour bakeries across various cooperative societies.” He added that the price of Tannour bread has been fixed at 20 fils per loaf.
