The National Drug Agency (NDA) has stated that the Drugs Act of the Maldives will be amended to improve its services.
Speaking at a press conference, Chairman Shamau Shareef said NDA is facing legal obstacles in providing services. He said the current laws do not allow the agency to assist individuals with criminal records who seek help. He highlighted that treatment is most effective on those who willingly seek help but the current system consists of individuals who chose treatment as a means to avoid prison. He also stressed the importance of providing services to everyone even if they have criminal records.
Additionally, Shamau said NDA faces other obstacles and that discussions are being held with stakeholders in order to draft the amendment bill within the year. He said the objective is to make NDA an agency that can provide treatment to every person who comes to seek help as well as to make drug addiction a health issue instead of a criminal issue.
Imad Solih was appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of NDA to improve the agency. He has served as a state minister at the Ministry of Education.