The Maldivian government has announced plans to launch Tobacco Cessation Clinics across the country, aiming to provide comprehensive support for those seeking to quit tobacco use. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu approved the initiative during a recent Cabinet meeting, following a proposal from the Ministry of Health.
These clinics will be set up in all islands and cities, offering counseling and necessary medications to assist individuals in their journey to quit smoking. Medications will be made available at city and atoll hospitals through the State Trading Organization (STO), with the service classified as part of preventative healthcare.
The initiative is part of a broader anti-tobacco strategy, which includes recent amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and Export-Import Act. These legislative changes have increased levies on cigarettes and electronic smoking devices, aiming to discourage tobacco consumption. The government hopes to achieve a significant reduction in tobacco use over the next four years.
Health officials have welcomed the reforms, emphasizing their potential to improve public health outcomes and reduce the long-term healthcare burden associated with tobacco-related illnesses.
