Minister of State for Homeland Security and Technology Uza Lubna Mohamed Zahir Hussain announced that community-based rehabilitation for drug users will be implemented while maintaining current detoxification centres.

The programme will operate through hospitals under medical supervision, marking a significant expansion of the country's drug treatment infrastructure.

The National Drug Agency (NDA) reported that the Ministry of Health has approved the initiative, with implementation expected to begin shortly. The programme will utilise buprenorphine-based treatment protocols, while existing centres will continue their methadone treatment programmes.

According to Minister Lubna, the treatment model will incorporate a comprehensive assessment process and remain voluntary. She emphasised that home-based treatment would not be available for cases where parental supervision is inadequate, noting that patient and guardian preferences will be considered in treatment placement decisions.

The initiative aims to address one of the Maldives' most pressing social challenges, fulfilling a key manifesto pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. The Administration views community-based treatment as a crucial solution to the nation's drug crisis.

Minister Lubna highlighted the need to strengthen psychosocial support systems alongside the new treatment programme. She indicated that the Government is actively training personnel and seeking partnerships with NGOs to provide recovery support services. The President has approved plans to offer financial support to participating NGOs within the current year.

The expansion comes as existing detoxification centres face capacity constraints, resulting in extended waiting periods for treatment. The Government is currently restructuring these facilities to improve operational efficiency and reduce wait times.