President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a decree amending the Drugs Act to facilitate the availability of methylphenidate as a first-line treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The amendment came into effect through a Presidential Decree issued on 12 May pursuant to Section 3-4(e) of the Drugs Act and published in the Government Gazette effective immediately.
The amendment was initiated upon the recommendation of the National Drug Control Council and subsequently deliberated in the Cabinet. Following Cabinet approval, the proposal was submitted to the Parliament in accordance with the Drugs Act. At the 17th sitting of the first session of the Parliament held on 11 May, the Parliament approved the removal of methylphenidate from the list of prohibited drugs prescribed under Schedule I of the Act.
With this amendment, the legal framework now allows for the availability of methylphenidate in the Maldives as a first-line treatment option for individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
Methylphenidate is recognised as a primary treatment for ADHD, one of the most prevalent developmental conditions in early childhood. Medical research demonstrates that integrating this medication with therapeutic interventions can substantially alleviate underlying symptoms. Relevant regulatory authorities affirmed the medication serves as an “essential and highly important treatment” for children managing the condition, reinforcing the clinical imperative of the legislative change.