Parliament approves removing ADHD medicine from banned list

The Parliament, on Monday, approved the lifting of a long-standing ban on the importation of methylphenidate, an essential medication used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children.

The decision to remove the drug from the list of prohibited drugs was passed unanimously, with all 51 members present at Monday’s sitting voting in favor of the amendment.

The proposal was submitted to Parliament by President Mohamed Muizzu, seeking an amendment to Schedule 1 of the Drugs Act. The Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), which reviewed the proposal, also reached a unanimous decision to allow the importation of the medication. The move follows an earlier Cabinet decision taken on the recommendation of the National Drug Control Council to delist the drug.

Methylphenidate is widely recognized internationally as a first-line treatment for children diagnosed with ADHD. However, it had remained prohibited in the Maldives due to its classification as a controlled substance under the Drugs Act, a restriction that has reportedly caused significant difficulties for families with children diagnosed with ADHD.

The issue was first brought to Parliament by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) last year. His petition, submitted with signatures from 47 parents, highlighted that children and people with disabilities were being denied essential treatment.

In response to the petition, the President’s Office had confirmed the government’s intention to remove the drug from the prohibited list to facilitate access to necessary treatment. The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) had also formally requested to delist of the medication last year.

ADHD is among the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Medical research indicates that its symptoms can be effectively managed through a combination of pharmacological treatment and behavioural therapies.

With Monday’s parliamentary approval, the legal pathway has now been cleared for methylphenidate to be imported into the Maldives, enabling improved access to treatment for children who require it.