Malaysian firm express interest to run drug rehabilitation centre

A Malaysian company has expressed interest in operating the Drug Rehabilitation Center in Maldives, said Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan.

In an interview with state media Public Service Media (PSM), Minister Ihusaan detailed that the company which submitted the proposal currently runs similar facilities in other parts of the world as well.

However he did not reveal the name of the company.

The Minister added that the price proposed by the company is quite high. As such, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of funding the treatments through the national health insurance scheme Aasandha or the National Drug Agency’s budget.

He said that private parties operating drug treatment facilities would increase competition and improve services as a result.

According to current plans, the National Drug Agency has decided to establish rehabilitation centers in three areas of the country: Velidhoo in Noonu atoll, Kaashidhoo in Kaafu atoll, and an undisclosed island in Laamu atoll.

As of December 2023, there are over 700 individuals with drug abuse disorders waiting in queue for treatment.

Applications for private parties to operate drug rehabilitation centers were opened in January of this year. Each center is required to provide outpatient detoxification, psychiatric evaluation, counseling, drug testing, psychosocial therapy, and psychological assessment services.