The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has been honoured with the Tatweej Gold Medal 2013 for Social Responsibility in the Arab World.The award is given by the Tatweej Academy for Excellence Awards. The gold medal and certificate of appreciation was received by Col Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah, director of the MoI’s Public Relations department at a function organised by Tatweej Academy at Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai recently. Lt Col Saeed Hassan al-Mazrooi, director-in-charge of the Operations Department, and Prof Haya al-Sanari from the department’s emergency services for the deaf section, witnessed the award presentation.Several government organisations and officials were honoured at the event for their initiatives and accomplishments in the service of local communities.The MoI won the medal for its efforts to enhance social responsibility and communication among different sections of society, including nationals as well as expatriates, and particularly for its services for people with special needs. As a result of its efforts and initiatives, the ministry was nominated at the awards ceremony. The excellence awards were presented for Arab parliament; councils of ministers, ministries, municipalities and provinces; official bodies in communication and information technology; official bodies in education; official bodies in the field of energy; environment and human rights; general government; security and military institutions. Col al-Muftah said the gold medal will encourage the ministry to do more in the field of social responsibility. Despite the progress made, the MoI always strives to extend its services to various segments of society involving citizens and residents, he said.“The ministry spares no effort to support and communicate with them” said Col al-Muftah, adding that the launch of an emergency service for the hearing-impaired confirmed the success of the ministry in facilitating communication for the group in case of emergencies.“Showing concern for all segments of society, especially people with special needs, is among the strategic objectives of the ministry. This stems from its responsibility towards members of the community without any exception. The ministry has tried to take care of this category of people and provided care and support through several services and procedures,” said the director of the Public Relations Department. The decision of HE the Minister of State for Interior Affairs to waive the fee for MoI services for people with special needs, the opening of a special section for senior citizens and those with special needs at the General Directorate of Border Passports and Expatriates Affairs, introduction of the Aamir service at all external service centres of the ministry and opening a special section for people with special needs and the elderly at the Search and Follow-up Department are some examples of how the ministry is providing care to those in need. All these services highlight the social responsibility initiatives of the ministry, added Col al-Muftah.He said the award was the result of the joint efforts of all agencies and departments of the ministry. “It is a catalyst for us, one that will lead to more efforts and endeavours. The MoI attaches great importance to community partnership and strengthening of frameworks of co-operation with all segments of the community in the context of social responsibility, and will spare no effort to achieve the objectives,” Col al-Muftah asserted. Lt Col al-Mazrooi said the ministry launched an emergency service for the hearing-impaired - on the number 992 - on September 17, 2012. The launch was in keeping with the eagerness of the Operations Department to respond to calls from members of this important segment of residents.The emergency service is expected to benefit more than 500 people with hearing problems and is the first of its kind in the Middle East. It is provided using 3G technology and allows people with hearing problems to interact with trained emergency service personnel. Beneficiaries can avail of this facility in three ways: 3G video call, SMS and email to 992@moi.gov.qaThe Tatweej Academy for Excellence Awards has honoured several institutions and personalities in different sectors over a decade. Apart from government departments and agencies, these include the education, business and banking sectors as well.