Aasandha to cover smoking cessation treatment, Nazim says
Nicotine patches and gum will be made available through Aasandha to help individuals who are trying to quit smoking.
Top Stories
Health Minister Abdulla Nazim announced on Thursday that nicotine patches and gum will soon be available through Aasandha, the government's health insurance scheme, for tobacco cessation.
The initiative aims to support people addicted to tobacco and encourage them to quit, as part of a broader strategy to tackle tobacco use in the country.
The announcement comes as the government rolls out a comprehensive master plan to reduce tobacco consumption, which includes a variety of legislative changes and new public health initiatives.
As part of the government's commitment to reducing tobacco use, several key measures have already been implemented in recent days:
-
1-
Amendments to Tobacco Control Act and Export-Import Act: Changes to these laws are aimed at strengthening regulations on tobacco products and controlling their availability.
-
1-
Changes in Import Duties on Electronic Vaping Devices: Significant adjustments have been made to the import duties on electronic vaping devices, aligning with the government's broader efforts to reduce tobacco and nicotine consumption.
-
1-
A Long-Term Plan to Address Tobacco: The government has set an ambitious goal to find a permanent solution to the tobacco problem within the next four years, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO).
One of the central components of the government's tobacco control strategy is the provision of nicotine replacement therapies. Nicotine patches and gum will be made available through Aasandha to help individuals who are trying to quit smoking. These treatments are designed to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for smokers to quit.
Nazim emphasized that this initiative is an essential part of the government's tobacco cessation program.
"We are committed to providing smokers with the necessary tools and support to quit. By offering nicotine patches and gum through Aasandha, we are making it easier for those who want to quit to access the help they need," he said.
In addition to nicotine replacement therapies, the government is taking steps to improve access to tobacco cessation services.
The plan includes the establishment of seizure clinics in all islands across the Maldives. These clinics will provide tailored support to individuals struggling with tobacco addiction, helping them overcome their dependence through professional assistance and counselling.
To ensure the success of these clinics, the government has already started training staff to deliver effective tobacco cessation services.
Nazim also highlighted the launch of a 24-hour Quitline to provide immediate support to people seeking to quit. The Quitline, which can be reached at 1676, will be available around the clock from Tuesday onwards, providing a valuable resource for individuals seeking advice or guidance.
The government is working closely with the WHO to develop a five-year plan aimed at controlling tobacco use in the Maldives. This plan will involve a combination of preventive measures, public awareness campaigns, and increased access to cessation support.
As part of this effort, the government has also decided to establish tobacco cessation clinics in all cities and islands of the Maldives. These clinics will be equipped to offer comprehensive services, including medical consultations and access to medications designed to help individuals quit smoking.
In a further effort to support smokers in their journey to quit, the President has decided to make tobacco cessation medicines available through STO (State Trading Organisation) in all cities and islands where provincial hospitals are located. This will ensure that individuals who are serious about quitting can access both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatments.
Seizure services, including support for those trying to quit tobacco, will be provided as part of the broader preventive health care framework under the Health Services Act.
