Rehab begins for 65% of addicts in six-month-long waitlist

Rehabilitation has begun for 65 percent of drug addicts who have been waitlisted for treatment for the last six months, says the National Drug Agency (NDA).

According to statistics released by the NDA, it launched a special operation on December 10 called ‘Fanaavaru’ to initiate treatment for over 700 individuals waitlisted for community-based rehabilitation at orders from the Drug Court.

“Treatment has begun are in various stages for 446 individuals under this program,” said the agency.

It added that there are also 254 individuals who have yet to begin treatment “for various reasons.”

“Treatment has begun for 65 percent of clients through this operation,” said the agency.

NDA said it is also engaged in discussions with relevant institutions regarding starting in-prison rehab for inmates.

The agency said that it collaborating with local health centers and has expanded community-based rehabilitation services to 110 islands, with the aim of improving access to rehabilitation services.

Drug trafficking and abuse is a long-standing social and public health issue facing the Maldives. It makes up for the majority of crimes in the country.