The Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee) has unanimously granted approval to authorize the import of Methylphenidate, a critical medication used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, the medication is classified as a prohibited substance under the Narcotic Drugs Act, making it legally unavailable in the Maldives despite being a standard medical treatment globally.

The issue was initially brought to the Parliament's attention by the Member for North Galolhu, Mohamed Ibrahim (Kudu), last year. Although an initial attempt to address the matter was dismissed by the PNC-majority parliament on April 15, 2024, the member persisted by submitting a petition signed by 47 parents. During discussions within the Petitions Committee, Aishath Jaleela, a Senior Pharmacist at the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA), confirmed that while science supports the drug's efficacy for ADHD, its legal classification as a banned drug prevented its import.

Following a letter sent by MP Mohamed Ibrahim to the Speaker of Parliament last month, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu responded with a formal request to the Majlis on April 30. The President stated that the Cabinet had met on April 26 to discuss recommendations from the National Drug Control Council. The Cabinet ultimately decided to seek parliamentary consent to remove Methylphenidate from the list of prohibited drugs.

Following the President's request and a subsequent review of the matter, the Committee on National Security Services voted unanimously today to approve the removal of Methylphenidate from the prohibited substances list. This decision paves the way for the medication to become legally accessible for children and families seeking treatment for ADHD in the Maldives.