India’s problem with toxic alcohol
BMJ 2015; 351 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h4536 (Published 25 August 2015) Cite this as: BMJ 2015;351:h4536
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The problem of toxic alcohol in India is not a new phenomenon. Because of the lack of strict laws against the manufacture, sale and distribution of country-made desi liquor, people continue to fall prey to it due to its easy availability and low price. Methyl alchohol, the toxic compomnent of alcohol which reaches high concentrations in so called 'Desi' liquor, is the cause of morbidity and mortality. Strong political commitment is required to stop the manufacture and sale of these these country-made liquor otherwise innocent people will continue falling prey to it.
Competing interests: No competing interests
One of the leading sources of revenue is the Wine shops authorized and licensed by the State Governments of India. To avoid alcoholism and control alcohol related disorders certain states have prohibited alcohol sales through government outlets. This has led to many resorting to illegal brewing and supplying arracks (native alcohol) to the people. The people who resort to such alcohol intake are workers who do heavy manual labor, painters, truck drivers and menial labourers who do routine sanitary work. The habit of drinking alcohol may make them obesessed with taking alcohol of any sort illicit or even spirits mixed with methanol. This results in many tragic deaths and loss of lives.
This has a created a social problem and an ethical dilemma whether to open licensed wine shops or bring in strict prohibition. The double edged weapon of an alcohol sales ban or promotion carries a social risk and medical problems that are difficult handle and provide a healthy solution. The recent death of a social activist in Tamilnadu demanding prohibition of alcohol sales and closure of government outlets reflects the mood of families affected by acloholism. This social malady haunts every society and such habit forming social events have no single solution. In such situations the government must take a uniform policy either to ban alcohol sales or promote prohibition.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: India’s problem with toxic alcohol
The problem of toxic alcohol is seen in all regions of India and news keeps coming in local newspapers about people falling prey to it. Only when the mortality or morbidity reaches a staggering figure them it becomes a news of national importance. The prime reason of this menace is lack of proper legislation for banning manufacture & sale of country made liquor, the desi liquor, which are manufactured & sold without any quality checks risking life of people consuming it. So, strong laws and political will is required to prohibit manufacture & sale of country made liquor so as prevent such mishappening in future.
Competing interests: No competing interests