Imad Solih, who was serving as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Drug Agency (NDA), has been dismissed form his post.

State Minister for Homeland and Technology, NDA board’s Chairperson Lubna Zahir said Imad was dismissed from his post by the unanimous votes of all board members.

In this regard, she detailed that Imad was dismissed to enforce the government’s policies following a financial audit to evaluate how NDA’s operations were carried out and the extent its targets had been achieved. Lubna reiterated the government’s aim to reform NDA to expedite its operations and undertake more tasks.

“As you know, there is a huge backlog of individuals who wish to undergo rehabilitation. The board members made the decision unanimously in consideration of many such factors,” she said.

Lubna further said the board tasked itself with appointing a new CEO within 90 days.

She added that NDA’s operations will not be disrupted by Imad’s dismissal in the meantime, as Home Ministry’s Deputy Minister Mohamed Rashid has been appointed interim CEO by the board.

She noted that Rashid was appointed to the post without any additional salary increment.

The lack of a proper rehabilitation system in the Maldives has been strongly criticized by the public for years. Efforts by various administrations to take reformative action have yet to bear fruit.