President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has approved the establishment of Tobacco Cessation Clinics across all islands and cities in the Maldives.

The decision, made after a Cabinet meeting on Sunday, was based on recommendations from the Ministry of Health and aims to reduce tobacco consumption whilst promoting public health.

The new clinics will offer support to individuals seeking to quit tobacco use, with access to necessary medications provided through the State Trading Organisation (STO) at hospitals across the country.

These cessation services will be classified as preventative healthcare services to ensure wider access and integration into the national health system.

This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce tobacco consumption, which includes recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and the Export-Import Act. The Government has also introduced higher levies on cigarettes and e-cigarettes, aiming for a substantial decrease in tobacco use within four years.