Parliament Committee Approves Import of Critical ADHD Medication for Children

The Parliament’s National Security Services Committee has unanimously approved a proposal to allow the import of methylphenidate, a critical medication used to treat children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The move comes after the Cabinet reviewed a recommendation from the National Drug Control Council. To facilitate the import, the government is seeking to amend the Drugs Act of the Maldives to remove methylphenidate from the current list of prohibited substances. ADHD is a common developmental condition typically diagnosed during childhood. Medical consensus indicates that a combination of targeted medication and behavioral therapies can significantly reduce symptoms, allowing children to improve their academic performance and social outcomes. By removing the drug from the prohibited list, the government aims to increase accessibility to essential healthcare for families across the archipelago. The decision marks a shift toward integrating specialized psychiatric medications into the national healthcare framework to better support neurodivergent children.