Drug Agency CEO Imad Solih sacked
With the change of government, the NDA is now run by the Homeland Ministry.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
Imad Solih has been sacked as CEO of the National Drug Agency (NDA).
He was removed from the post at the first meeting of the newly formed NDA board held on Wednesday.
The board's chairperson, Home Ministry's State Minister Lubna Zahir told some media:
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Imad was removed from office unanimously by all members present at Wednesday's meeting
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His removal was based on the outcome of an NDA assessment; it evaluated the work done and not done to maintain the government's policy
Lubna said the government has also noticed that the work is not progressing at the pace it wants, there are too many pending works and delays in providing treatment.
Therefore, Imad's removal was a step taken to expedite treatment opportunities and facilitate the development of the NDA, she said.
There are many complaints in every government about the botched running of the NDA. The agency was criticised by many during the previous government as well.
Imad took over in November 2022 after the post of NDA CEO remained vacant for six months. During his tenure, he has repeatedly called for comprehensive solutions to the drug problem, raising awareness and providing drug treatment through the health system.
As part of the previous government's policy, the NDA, which was under the Gender Ministry, was transferred to the Health Ministry.
However, with the change of government, the NDA is now run by the Home Ministry. The move by the current government, which sees the drug menace as a national security issue, has raised many eyebrows, calling it a backward step.
