National Drug Agency (NDA)'s Chairman Shamau Shareef has stated the Agency is planning to start a special rehabilitation programme for women.

Speaking at a press conference at Sea Tracks building on Thursday, Shamau stated that the Agency has done research with the aid of WHO to identify the issues within society and the actions needed. As such, he added that the Agency has an understanding of the drug-related issues and have identified the actions that need to be taken to tackle it.

Shamau further added that with the grants and aid received from international organisations, NDA has designed a special rehabilitation programme for women that would begin in Hulhumale' next month.

"In Sha Allah we will start the rehabilitation programme for women next month, and are hopeful for a successful programme," Shamau said.

He added that with the international aid, NDA has hired two additional psychiatrists and will also hire three psychologists before the end of the year.

He further added the halfway house in Hulhumale' will be renovated and opened in November as a 'reintegrated hub'.

"We will provide various trainings at the hub as well as different programmes and sessions to reintegrate people to the society," Shamau said.

Shamau said that NDA will also work with people to train and ready them for the job market once they complete rehabilitation programmes. As such, NDA is currently signing agreements with various government companies to open opportunities for people who complete rehabilitation programmes.