The government has introduced a special hotline number called “Quit Line” to assist those who want to quit smoking. Speaking at a press conference held today at the Roshani Building, Health Minister Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim said that by calling 1676, the service will be available 24 hours a day.
According to Nazim, arrangements have been made to provide nicotine patches and gum, as well as other treatments through Aasandha for those who want to quit smoking. He also said that technical staff have been trained to provide this service. The government has decided to establish “Tobacco Cessation Clinics” in all islands of the Maldives. Nazim said that this service will be launched in all islands within the next two to three months.
As such, it has been decided to recognize and reward socially active individuals and islands that do not use tobacco. It has also been decided to provide financial assistance for social activities in the awarded islands. In addition, to find a permanent solution to the tobacco issue, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to develop a master plan that will achieve good results within the next four years.
While the law has been amended to increase the duty on tobacco products, it has been decided to increase the specific rate of import duty on cigarettes and beedis from three rufiyaa to eight rufiyaa. Additionally, it has been decided to increase the “ad valorem rate” on tobacco by 50 percent, and the law has been amended accordingly. The government states that these measures are important steps towards reducing tobacco use, moving away from tobacco, and building a healthy society, and that these efforts will have positive effects on public health.
