The Alimony Fund has paid at total of more than SR52 million ($13.8 million) to 11,700 registered beneficiaries, announced the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). "The fund's services cover more than 75 cities and provinces in the Kingdom," the ministry explained. "It aims to provide prompt maintenance to beneficiaries in order to promote responsibility and contribute to the financial stability of children and families." In an effort to enhance client experience, the fund has recently launched a new website that enables integrated digital services. Applications to the fund can be e-filed through the alimony Nafaqah.sa platform using ID number and birth date. Jurisdiction of medical panels transferred The jurisdiction of medical panels has been transferred to the general judiciary under the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), announced the Saudi ministries of justice and health after signing a memorandum of understanding on implementation. "The general judiciary will completely assume this jurisdiction according to the implementing mechanism for transferring the jurisdiction of quasi-judicial panels," explained the MoJ. "The transfer will contribute to increased efficiency and unify the jurisdictional authority of the Ministry of Justice." The Supreme Judicial Council has formed several specialized judicial panels at the appellate court and general court in Riyadh. Judges and assistant judges have been selected and qualified based on relevant qualifications, proficiency and experience. The MoJ also enables remote interpretation for non-Arabic speakers through the ministry's unified translation center. It also cooperates with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties through the ministry's Khibrah.sa platform, which facilitates assigning expert witnesses. The jurisdiction transferred to the general judiciary includes medical error cases; medical malpractice cases regarding private rights; and medical malpractice leading to death, damage of an organ or loss of total or partial use thereof, even in the absence of a claim for a private right. Digital integration between the two ministries reflected effective partnership and institutional cooperation. — SPA
