Smoking cessation service personnel to be trained within two months

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim states personnel required to provide smoking cessation services across the nation will be trained within the next two to three months.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday regarding the efforts being undertaken by the government to control tobacco in the Maldives – Minister Nazim noted that cessation clinics are already operated in hospitals.

He went onto the reveal the establishment of a helpline – 1676 – for individuals who wish to seek to quit smoking. The hotline was established to ensure easy accessibility to smoking cessation services.

According to Minister Nazim, callers will receive the first stage of assistance via the helpline and will be guided towards the nearest healthcare facility providing smoking cessation services.

Referencing the cabinet’s decision to expand smoking cessation services nationwide, he said funds have been arranged for these efforts.

“We are targeting to complete training personnel required for the service, including at all islands, by latest within two to three months,” he stressed.

Minister Nazim said nicotine patches and gums among other treatment options will be covered under Aasandha.

He noted the government will be providing assistance efforts undertaken by local councils at island or atoll scale to encourage the participation of more people in efforts to control tobacco in the Maldives.

This is among many efforts being undertaken by the government to control tobacco in the Maldives.

Last month, the Maldives enacted legislature increasing the specific rate of import duty on cigarettes and beedi from MVR 3 to MVR 8, and the ad valorem tax on the products by 50 percent.

Tobacco importers and distributors raised the prices of cigarettes following this change, with the price of common cigarette brands rising between MVR 240 to MVR 290 per pack, and MVR 2,240 per carton.

Store owners have reported a decline in the sale of cigarettes following the change.

Maldives has also enacted a legislature which banned the import of e-cigarettes, vaping devices and spare parts on November 15.

Meanwhile, the use, possession, production, sale, distribution and advertisement of e-cigarettes and vaping devices will be banned starting December 15.

Apart from this, tobacco sellers will be required to have an additional license apart from the license to operate a business in order to sell tobacco.