The government has proposed removing Methylphenidate, a critical medication for children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), from the list of prohibited substances in the Maldives.

Following recommendations from the National Drug Control Council and subsequent cabinet discussions, the matter was submitted to the People’s Majlis last Thursday for official approval.

During today’s parliamentary session, a letter from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu addressed to Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla was formally read. In the letter, the President highlighted that Methylphenidate is considered a first-line treatment for children with ADHD. However, the medication is currently classified as a prohibited drug under Schedule 1 of the Narcotic Drugs Act, necessitating parliamentary consent to amend the list as decided by the Cabinet.

Following the reading of the President's letter, Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla announced that the matter has been forwarded to the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) for further review.

This proposal follows a similar request made by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) on July 13 last year, which also urged the removal of Methylphenidate from the prohibited drugs list to facilitate its medical use.