ALCOHOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH

ALCOHOL AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Alcohol Consumption is a significant contributor of the burden of disease and is a major public health concern. The recent social and economic changes in the country are paralleled by a steady increase in the production and use of alcohol manufactured by the organized sector. Large proportion of the Alcohol produced in India is illicit and a cottage industry out side government control. The low cost illicit Alcohol makes it an attractive option for the poorer sections. The Lack of regulation and quality control leads to mortality and blindness due to methanol poisoning in addition to physical morbidity due to harmful use.
A recent study reported that One in four adult males consumer alchol. Injuries, suicides and many chronic diseases result from harmful use of Alchol. Harmful use of Alchol also contributes to road traffic injuries, occupational problems domestic violence, marital and social difficulties, iiincluding financial debt. Harmful use results in loss of productivity,income and trained manpower. The effects of alchol aggrevate those of poverty.
On the other hand, the production and sale of alchol results in substantial taxes and is major source of revenue for governments. Duties on alchol constitutes nearly a fourth of the budget of some states. The industry also provides jobs and large amounts to non taxed income.
Many election the candidates of political parties often include promises to restrict access to alchol a vote winner among women.
The complete ban on the production and sale of alchol is necessary. There are many laws in the statute books related to alchol. However, many regulations including those related to drink- driving are observed more in the breach. The strict enforcement of drink-driving laws in the west is a major reason for responsible driving and thus argues for the need for similar implementation in India.
The only systematic study from India on the expenditure related to alchol, more money is spent every year to manage the direct and indirect consequences of alchol use. Population and public health interventions have a greater impact on alchol related morbidity and mortality than individual therapy. The government cannot abdicate its responsibility and fail to use public health approaches, which have a greater impact on the population rates os use and consequences of excess alchol consumption.
The center and state governments have introduced several measures to discourage the drinking habit. But the number of those consuming alchol has increased. We need a strict enforcement of laws to curb drunken driving, boot- legging sale of liquor before and after approved hours, sale to those below the age of 18 etc.
Drinking aggravates the poverty levels of the poor while it is also associated with the affluent sections. Drinking over a long period affects the liver seriously. This hinders the effect of medicines meant for other ailments too
For many youngsters alchol consumption has become a status symbol. Many liquor shops today have been turned in to bars policies with a long term vision and not just think of alchol as a source of revenue
Prof: John Kurakar