Contingency plans have been prepared for all institutions, says Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Aishath Mohamed Didިިi.

While speaking at the National Emergency Operation Centre's (NEOC) press briefing held on Sunday night, the minister revealed that contingency plans have been prepared for all institutions under the gender ministry which includes a one month supply of food and other necessary items.

Further, she stated that isolation rooms have also been established at several centres based on the number of children present. There are two rooms at Villimale' Childrens' Shelter, three at Hulhumale' Fiyavathi Orphanage and two rooms at the Home for People with Special Needs.

Likewise, the contingency plan has also determined which employees will go out in the field and which employees will live on-site with individuals under state care, in the case of an emergency.

The minister also disclosed that preparation is underway to establish a medical facility for emergency treatment at the Home for People with Special Needs. This facility will be equipped with ventilators.

In regard to drug rehabilitation services, the minister stated that work is underway to establish a detox centre in the Greater Male' region, in addition to a temporary drug offenders remand centre. Additionally, she stated that drug tests are conducted every three days despite the temporary suspension of community-based rehabilitation sessions by the National Drug Agency (NDA).

She further shared the number of children and persons currently housed at various centres designated under the ministry.

Moreover, she stated that arrangements have been made for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses to get their prescription from STO pharmacies using any document that shows their National ID card. number. Also, financial assistance is being provided to those seeking treatment abroad via Aasandha and NSPA.

The minister went onto share statistics of cases reported to the ministry in the past first three months of 2020. The numbers are as follows;

Highlighting that reports dropped in the month of March, the minister stated that she does not believe these numbers reflect the real situation of the country. Research shows that if the victim is living with the perpetrator then reporting is challenging for two reasons, said the minister. She explained that the fall in reports is most likely due to two reasons; victims being forced to financially depend on the perpetrator, especially due to the pandemic and the belief that the ministry is not operational during the ongoing public holidays, thus, having the impression that they will not receive any help.

As such, the minister went onto assure that all the ministry their work is ongoing without interruption. Hence, she urged all reports can be submitted by contacting 1412.

Giving further assurance that cases will be attended to, the minister stated that there are no hindrances in joint efforts with police or courts, adding that courts have successfully attended to all cases submitted by the gender ministry.