The Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) has revealed significant hurdles in importing medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), primarily due to its classification under national law as an intoxicating substance.
This classification prohibits its entry into the country, despite scientific evidence supporting its efficacy in treating ADHD.
On Monday, the Parliament's Petitions Committee convened with officials from the Ministry of Health and the MFDA to address a petition lodged by MDP MP Mohamed Ibrahim of Galolhu North Constituency. The petition, endorsed by 47 parents, highlighted the critical lack of therapy services for children and individuals with disabilities, as well as the absence of essential medications and medical devices for those with special conditions like autism and ADHD.
Aishath Jaleela, Director of Pharmaceuticals at MFDA, identified the unavailable drug as methylphenidate. She confirmed that numerous complaints have been received from both patients and doctors regarding its scarcity. Jaleela underscored that while scientific consensus affirms methylphenidate as an effective treatment for ADHD, its inclusion in both Articles One and Two of the Narcotics Act as an abusive substance bars its importation into the Maldives.
In response to this legislative barrier, the MFDA has formally requested an amendment to the law to facilitate the drug's import. Jaleela stated, "We from the MFDA side have done a lot of work for us to bring this amendment in the law, as we have already sent a letter to the parliament asking them to remove the name of this molecule or this drug from Schedule I and just shift it to Schedule II on July 13, 2025." Despite its current legal status, methylphenidate is also listed among the essential drugs in the Maldives' Drugs Act.
Mohamed Ibrahim's petition additionally brought to light concerns about extensive queues for therapy services for children with disabilities, exorbitant costs, and insufficient financial aid from the government. The petition further called for an investigation into the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA)'s alleged failure to provide therapy and other vital medical support for children and individuals with disabilities. Requests for investigations have been directed to the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM), the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs, NSPA, and the Disability Commission.
This petition follows a previous case filed by Mohamed Ibrahim in Parliament, which alleged neglect by state institutions responsible for healthcare and social security. However, that case was subsequently dismissed by the People's National Congress (PNC) super majority.