The Parliament’s Petition Committee has decided to visit rehabilitation centers in order to review the ‘Change NDA 2020’ petition submitted to the People's Majlis.

The committee in a statement revealed details of the ongoing review of the petition submitted by South-Mahchangoalhi constituency MP Ahmed Haitham with 1,050 signatures. The committee launched the review on March 31.

The statement further informed that the Petition Committee has made a decision to visit the National Drug Agency (NDA) and all rehabilitation centers under their authority in order to investigate thoroughly.

Therefore, Halfway House in Hulhumale’ and the rehabilitation centers established in GDh. Thinadhoo, Gn. Fuvahmulah, S. Hithadhoo, HDh. Hanimaadhoo and K. Himmafushi have already been inspected and the Drug Offenders Remand Center in K. Gulhi and the main institution of NDA established in Male’ City are to be inspected next.

The committee in the statement affirmed that issues in relation to drugs is one of the biggest problems that the society and community faces and stated that families must take initiative to solve these problems among themselves as well.

The petition was submitted at a time when concerns over the level of services at the drug agency has been increasing. Following this, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recently changed the agency to under the Ministry of Health, from the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.

The current government’s manifesto includes establishing an independent institution where victims of drug abuse can receive the professional help they need. It also manifesto plans to close of all doors that lead Maldivian citizens to substances abuse, and to neutralize any external influence being exerted to prevent relevant authorities from fulfilling their duties in a professional manner.