Strict penalties against child abusers in Bahrain : PM

Manama : The Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday vowed tougher and more deterrent punishment against those who target or abuse children.
Directing to ramp up child protection measures, the Premier stressed to activate the role of the Labour and Social Development Ministry’s Child Protection Centre.
Prince Khalifa also instructed ministries and relevant parties to re-consider legislations in this regard.
HRH the Premier was speaking while chairing the regular weekly Cabinet meeting at the Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.
Moving on to other issues, the PM directed Health Ministry officials to take all necessary precautionary measures to monitor the situation of Zika virus infection in the Kingdom and to control its potential outbreak.
Prince Khalifa also called for close cooperation with the relevant international organisations and the Supreme Council for Health in this regard.
In a related context, the Prime Minister requested Health Minister Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh to ensure the availability of sufficient medicines.
The PM also ordered to address any shortages in the pharmacies of government hospitals and health centres, Cabinet Secretary General Dr. Yasser bin Essa Al Naser said in a statement following the session.

Major decisions

• Relocation of fuel tanks from Arad to Bahrain International Airport discussed
• Draft law on preventing terror suspects from travelling abroad during the investigations and evidence collection process discussed
• Draft law on the acquisition of real estate for public interests endorsed
• Approved draft law to regulate the electoral campaigning and safeguard it against violations
• Friendship Agreement between Manama and Wuhan City in China endorsed
• Draft of Air Services Agreement between Bahrain and Finland endorsed
• Results of the National Examinations for the sixth grade which was held in May 2016 in Arabic, English, Math and Science, reviewed

Proposals discussed

• Use of the international barcode system
• Construction of a multi-function hall in Arad