Aasandha Will Cover Smoking Cessation Treatments, Announces Minister

Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim announced today that individuals struggling with tobacco addiction will soon have access to smoking cessation treatments under the national healthcare scheme, Aasandha.

This initiative follows a Cabinet decision last Tuesday to establish tobacco cessation clinics across all islands in the Maldives. The move aims to support smokers in their journey to quit, making essential treatments more accessible nationwide.

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Speaking at today’s press conference about the government’s ongoing efforts to combat nicotine addiction, Minister Nazim revealed that preparations are well underway. Coverage through Aasandha will also include nicotine patches and gum, providing essential support tools to aid the quitting process.

The Minister also highlighted that a dedicated budget has been allocated to roll out cessation services across the country. Training for the necessary personnel has already begun, with the Ministry planning to launch these services in all islands within the next few months.

Currently, cessation support is available in three hospitals and at Dhamanaveshi in Malé City. In the atolls, 48 islands are already providing similar services.

To further assist those wishing to quit smoking, the Ministry has established a dedicated hotline: 1676.