The National Drug Agency (NDA) has provided rehabilitation treatment to over 400 individuals in the past six months.
The NDA launched "Operation Fanaaru" on December 10, 2023, an initiative aimed at admitting more than 700 individuals on a waitlist who have not yet begun community treatment as required by the rehabilitation orders of the Drug Court. So far, 446 individuals have started and completed various stages of treatment under the programme, while 254 have not yet begun for various reasons. The operation has treated 65% of its patients in the past six months.
The NDA is also in discussions about keeping those ordered to undergo community treatment in custody. The agency has shifted to a community-based rehabilitation and reintegration model to expand treatment access nationwide for individuals mandated by the Drug Court. In collaboration with island health service centres and with the support of the Ministry of Health, treatment services are now available on 110 islands across the Maldives.
The government has noted challenges in the country’s drug treatment system. As such it is formulating special policies to enhance the rehabilitation of drug addicts.