Home Minister: The government spends MVR 46 million annually to Drug Rehabilitation

Home Minister, Umar Naseer has said that the government spends MVR 46 million for drug rehabilitation programs to bring drug addicts back to the society.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the halfway house in Hulhumalé, Minister Umar Naseer said that even after such a costly rehabilitation, some people fall off the wagon and back go back to their addiction.

“What this halfway house does is find a job and help the people returning to society after rehabilitation. They would be monitored on their job. They would be brought back to this place (halfway house) and see how they are and would slowly be letting go of the hand and finally be released to the community.” Minister Umar said.

The Minister said that the halfway house would ensure that the purpose of the government spending is achieved.

“We are bringing changed to the rehabilitation model. We are seeing rehabilitation as something being done outside the government. We are changing that.” Minister Umar said.

Minister Umar said that the government has decided to outsource the Hinmafushi rehabilitation center and it would be announced very soon.

Minister said that those places in turn become places run, not by the government but by independently.

“A fee would be charged to go there. That fee would be paid by the government. We (the government) have thought about changing the halfway house like that as well.” Minister said.

National Drug Agency said that there are 17 people being treated at the halfway house opened today including people that are going to work.