Parliament has today voted in favour of lifting the ban on methylphenidate, a key medication prescribed for persons with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  

All 51 MPs in attendance voted unanimously in favour of lifting the ban. 

In its response to a letter from MP Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu) raising concerns about the ban, the President's Office said on May 4 that the Cabinet had reached an important decision to address the matter.   

The letter sent to Parliament, signed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, states that after reviewing the National Drug Control Council's recommendations on the issue, the Cabinet decided last month to remove methylphenidate from the list of banned medications in Maldives. 

The President noted in the letter that parliamentary approval is needed before the banned medications list is amended, and appealed to the parliament to reach a decision on the removal of methylphenidate from the list.

After discussing the matter in a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), the members who participated in the meeting passed a motion by a unanimous vote to end the ban on the medication. 

Methylphenidate was banned in Maldives as it is included as a type of illegal drug under the Drugs Act. 

Methylphenidate is a scientifically approved medication to be used as first-line treatment for ADHD. However, Appendix I of the Drugs Act lists it as illegal for import into Maldives, and it is considered a prescription psychotropic substance which is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and addiction. 

The MDFA also appealed to parliament last year to remove the medication from the banned list.