Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim has announced that smokers seeking to quit will now have access to treatment and assistance on every island in the Maldives, as part of the Government’s expanded nationwide efforts to reduce tobacco use.

Responding to a question raised in Parliament by North Galolhu MP Mohamed Ibrahim, the Minister said the Administration is addressing three key areas necessary to change public behaviour related to smoking.

Minister Nazim stated that the first priority is to ensure the public receives accurate and comprehensive information, including clear details on the Generational Ban on Tobacco and the health risks associated with smoking. He noted that the Government is working to deliver tobacco-harm information in a way that has never been done before.

The second focus is providing practical training to help individuals avoid tobacco use. Minister Nazim highlighted that previous administrations had not given adequate attention to offering such training in Malé or in the atolls, and that current Government aims to close that gap.

The Minister further confirmed that cessation clinics have now been established across all islands, offering support services and counselling. He added that medicines required for smoking cessation will be made available free of charge under the Aasandha scheme.

Minister Nazim assured Parliament that any individual wishing to quit smoking following the introduction of the generational ban will be able to access assistance from any part of the country. He also noted that a dedicated helpline has been launched to support those seeking help to stop smoking.