Himmafushi Rehabilitation Centre Upgrade to Support 500 Patients by 2026

The Maldivian government will begin a major expansion and modernization of the Himmafushi Rehabilitation Centre next month, aiming to bring the facility up to internationally recognized standards. Minister of Homeland Security, Labour and Technology Ali Ihusaan announced the project during a ceremony celebrating graduates of the Drug Court rehabilitation programme. Once completed, the upgraded centre will have the capacity to treat up to 500 patients simultaneously. The government expects the project to be finalized within 18 months, providing a critical boost to the nation's capacity to manage addiction and recovery. Minister Ihusaan highlighted a pressing need for modernization across the country's recovery infrastructure. He noted that current facilities—including the existing Himmafushi centre, the National Drug Agency setup, and the Hulhumalé Halfway House—are currently unable to provide the level of adequate treatment required to meet growing demand. Beyond physical infrastructure, the Minister emphasized the human element of recovery. He revealed that more than 300 participants have already successfully completed the Drug Court treatment programme, marking a significant milestone in the judiciary-led approach to addiction. Addressing the social challenges of reintegration, Minister Ihusaan urged the public to shift their perceptions of recovering drug users. He stressed that societal acceptance is vital for long-term success, calling for an end to the negative stigmas that often hinder those attempting to rebuild their lives after addiction.