Indian Consulate setup 24 x 7 help center

JEDDAH — The Indian Consulate General here has set up center to filed in problems of workers 24 x 7. This is yet another milestone of Indian Consulate. The 24 x 7 Indian Workers Resource Center (IWRC) has been established at the Indian Consulate, Jeddah, to help Indians in distress, according to a press statement from the mission. From now onwards Indians will have someone from the Indian Consulate to listen to their problems and help them 24 x 7 throughout the year. Avail this facility to get your issues resolved. 3.1m Saudis covered by medical insurance AL-AHSA — The secretary-general of the Cooperative Health Insurance Council Muhammad Sulaiman Al-Hussein said during the Al-Ahsa Investment Forum on Thursday, that the number of people who are covered by medical insurance in the Kingdom has reached 10.7 million. Of these, 3.1 million are Saudis and 7.6 million are expatriates. Al-Hussein expects the number of people having medical insurance to reach 18.5 million by 2020. Deputy Minister of Health Hamad Al-Dhuwailea announced that there are plans to detach health services from the Ministry of Health. Meanwhile, the director of the factory belonging to the Saudi Company for Pharmaceutical Industries and Medical Requirements Dr. Murad Al-Saggaf said the total volume of the medicine market in the Kingdom is SR14 billion, with an annual growth rate of 8.3 percent. 2 projects for demolishing buildings JEDDAH–The committee formed by the Jeddah Municipality, Civil Defense, police and Saudi Electricity Co. disclosed that there are two projects for demolishing rundown buildings in southern and northern Jeddah. The demarcated buildings have a total area of 500,000 sq. meters. Jeddah Municipality has issued warnings to a number of Jeddah residents and house owners on the necessity to vacate the premises within 48 hours. The committee said the empty buildings are a security concern as they are used by undocumented residents. They are also an eyesore. The Information Center at Jeddah Municipality said the first project is in southern Jeddah and comprises deserted buildings and others that are dilapidated and likely to collapse. They cover an area of 340,000 sq. meters. The second location is in northern Jeddah and is comprised of rundown buildings over a total area of 160,000 sq. meters. SR1,000 ceiling for teachers in charity schools MAKKAH —After waiting for six months, the salary sheets for employees of the Education Administration in Makkah that was issued on Wednesday proved to be a big surprise for teachers at charity schools. The ceiling for teachers’ monthly salary was set at SR1,000 for those holding a bachelor’s degree, a move that took place after the Commission for Supervising Charity Schools transferred responsibility of the teachers over to the Education Administration in Makkah Province. The teachers had waited several months without being paid their salaries and were optimistic they would receive better salaries due to the difference between the Commission and the Education Administration, which is an affiliate of the Ministry of Education. They expected their salaries would be increased, especially considering the recent rise in prices of fuel and utility bills. The salary sheets divided the teachers into two groups. Those holding bachelor’s degrees were given SR1,000 as a monthly salary while teachers holding secondary school certificates were given SR800. Furthermore, the Education Administration paid the salary arrears for two months only despite the fact the teacher had not been paid for several months. Drug dealers caught via ‘Snapchat’ RIYADH — Several people involved in distributing narcotics and encouraging drug use via the social media app Snapchat have been identified, the Anti-cybercrimes Administration at the Ministry of Interior disclosed. Spokesman of the Ministry of Interior said several people were identified after the promoted drug use on the app. The unidentified perpetrators were allegedly circulating video clips of their criminal activities. They even encouraged children to take drugs. The rest house where they had gathered in Riyadh Province was stormed and 5 Saudis were arrested. Over 788 amphetamine tablets, 229 prescription drugs, 12 grams of hashish, two pistols and 66 bullets were found in their possession. Schools directed to get ready for new year RIYADH — Minister of Education Ahmed Al-Isa has approved preparations for the next academic year. He issued an official circular which said a committee in every general education school, Holy Qur’an memorization school, kindergarten and special education institute will be formed. The committee will be headed by the school principal or his deputy and include two administrators. The committee will prepare for the coming academic year. The committees will become active before Eid Al-Adha vacation from Sunday Aug. 21 until Thursday, Sept. 1.