President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said expanding the capacity of the National Drug Agency (NDA) remains a key priority of the Government as part of its efforts to strengthen drug treatment and rehabilitation services.

Speaking during the third episode of The Pulse podcast, the President said the agency's current capacity is insufficient to meet growing demand and that work is underway to enhance its services.

He said the Government plans to recruit more staff, strengthen the agency's capabilities and improve the quality of treatment programmes to ensure better support for individuals seeking rehabilitation.

The President noted that many people are currently waiting to access treatment and said the Government is working to reduce delays by improving the treatment system, alongside introducing the necessary legal and regulatory reforms.

Since 2007, more than 3,000 people have completed rehabilitation programmes through the National Drug Agency. This year alone, 233 individuals have completed treatment and reintegrated into society. According to official figures, 1,091 people received treatment at NDA rehabilitation centres during the first half of 2026.

The National Drug Agency currently operates 12 rehabilitation centres across the Maldives, providing residential treatment, counselling and rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping individuals overcome drug addiction and successfully return to society.