MDP accuses NDA of being 'in a coma', says drug treatment system has failed

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has said that the National Drug Agency (NDA), which was tasked with managing the country's drug treatment system, is itself in need of treatment. Speaking at a press conference held by the MDP's Public Policy Committee, the committee's chairperson Mohamed Sobry said the drug situation in the Maldives is in a very poor state, and that the NDA's administration has fallen into a major coma. Sobry expressed concern over the government's decision to move the NDA from under the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Homeland, stating that this was a worrying move from the start, and that it has led to actions that violate international standards. Sobry also alleged that the current CEO of the NDA does not meet the required qualifications for the post, and that the work of the National Drug Control Council, the most important council for resolving the drug problem, has come to a halt. He noted that the council is not meeting or making necessary decisions, causing problems in implementing many things. Regarding the treatment system at the NDA, Sobry said there is currently no psychiatrist, the stock of drug test kits is not properly maintained, and the urine testing machine has been broken for a long time. While the MDP criticized the government over this issue, the government claims it has been carrying out successful work against drugs, including strengthening the treatment system.