NDA partners with Indian Cultural Center to integrate wellness activities into drug treatment

The National Drug Agency (NDA) is collaborating with the Indian High Commission and the Indian Cultural Center to integrate wellness activities into the existing treatment program for drug addiction.

Officials from the NDA and the Indian Cultural Center engaged in discussions regarding the subject on Thursday.

The discussions were headed by Lubna Zahir, the chairperson of NDA.

The NDA said they are collaborating with the Indian Cultural Center to integrate mental and physical wellness activities into the existing drug treatment protocol.

According to NDA, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that addicts receive a comprehensive approach to managing their overall wellbeing.

Drug abuse is the biggest social issue facing the Maldives, and one that is deeply connected to organized crime, theft and robberies, and various scams.

In October last year, the NDA, in collaboration with the police’s Drug Enforcement Department, launched an operation to take drug addicts off the streets of Male’ and put them in a drug remand center.

In February, the NDA said that over 100 addicts detained in the operation had begun treatment.

Located in Male’, the Indian Cultural Center is a branch of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) of India. The center promotes bilateral cultural linkages and awareness between Maldives and India by organizing cultural programs, seminars, workshops and trainings.