President Announces Plans for Nationwide Tobacco Cessation Clinics Across the Maldives

In a decisive move to address tobacco use across the nation, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to establish "Tobacco Cessation Clinics" in all cities and islands of the Maldives. This initiative, which follows a Cabinet meeting on December 1, aims to provide essential support to individuals looking to quit tobacco use.

As part of this plan, the President has directed the provision of necessary cessation medications at State Trading Organization (STO) outlets in cities and islands where atoll hospitals are located. This will ensure easy access to tobacco cessation aids for individuals seeking to quit.

Additionally, tobacco cessation services will be incorporated into preventive healthcare offerings under the Health Services Act and will be made available at healthcare facilities across the country. This move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to combat tobacco dependency and improve public health in the Maldives.

The initiative is part of a larger framework to reduce tobacco consumption, which also includes amendments to the Tobacco Control Act and the Export-Import Act. These reforms have resulted in significant changes to the import duties on tobacco products and smoking/vaping devices, highlighting the government's commitment to tackling tobacco-related issues over the next four years.

This effort reflects the President’s ongoing commitment to improving public health and mitigating the harmful effects of tobacco use on Maldivian society.