Rehabilitation centers to be established in three atolls

National Drug Agency (NDA), on Monday, has decided to establish rehabilitation centers for drug addicts in three atolls including Laamu Atoll.

The agency said that they have held discussions with local and foreign parties regarding the development of rehabilitation centers as per the Drugs Act.

Underscoring that the cabinet has recommended conducting community-based rehabilitation programs for drug addicts – NDA had visited some islands in Laamu Atoll to identify the prevalence of the drug issue in those islands.

They included Fonadhoo, Gan, Maavah, Isdhoo, Kalaidhoo, Hithadhoo, Mundoo, Kunahandhoo, Gaadhoo and Maabaidhoo.

NDA met with the local councils of each respective island during those visits.

The research trip was participated by NDA’s CEO Imad Solih, Homeland Security Ministry’s Senior Political Director Ismail Ibrahim.

Services that will be provided at the drug rehabilitation services include:

• Outpatient detoxification service  
• Psychiatric evaluation
• Counselling
• Phyco-social therapy
• Drug testing
• Psychological assessment

The drug issue is prevalent in the Maldives. The current administration envisions to establish rehabilitation centers across the archipelago to address the issue.