Government to launch construction of a 500 bed rehabilitation centre in Himmafushi next month

A major rehabilitation complex capable of treating 500 people at a time is set to be built in K. Himmafushi, with construction scheduled to begin in July, according to Minister of Homeland Security, Labor and Technology Ali Ihusaan.

The minister made the announcement at a ceremony held to present certificates to participants who completed treatment through the Drug Court.

Ihusaan said the existing facilities in Himmafushi are not providing the level of treatment the government envisions, prompting the decision to launch a large‑scale project on the island.

“We will hopefully begin practical work next month to build an internationally recognised centre that can treat 500 people at a time,” he said.

The government aims to complete the project within 18 months.

Anti-Drug Day 2026 & NDA 29th Anniversary Celebrations at the Greenge Office, 26 June 2026 pic.twitter.com/Twm87uwHjr

— National Drug Agency (@NDA_MV) June 28, 2026

In addition to Himmafushi, Ihusaan said the National Drug Agency (NDA) setup and the Hulhumale' Halfway House will also be modernised to provide specialised treatment. He highlighted the importance of strengthening areas such as recovery support and psycho‑social support within the treatment system.

Under the policy of expanding drug treatment capacity, the minister said the N. Velidhoo centre is expected to be completed by December this year, while the centres planned for Kaashidhoo and L. Gan are targeted for completion by December 2027.

He added that the government is working hard to resolve longstanding issues in the Maldives’ drug treatment system.

The NDA has also begun signing agreements with government‑owned companies and private individuals to create employment opportunities for those who complete treatment.