In a decision which came as shock to many, Kerala government on Wednesday announced rationed liquor to be delivered to the homes. Despite the friction from the medical community in the state, the government justified its move showing almost six alcoholics committing suicide since the lockdown kicked in.
Followed by a roll of suicides over the availability of alcohol in the state which draws maximum revenue from liquor sales after tourism, alcohol was now pushed into the category of essential goods. Alcohol consumers must produce a doctor’s prescription to purchase liquor. According to the Government order, limited quantities of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) can be issued to those possessing the passes. Upon which the Kerala Government Medical Officer’s Association (KGMOA) which has been opposing the proposal from day 1 observed Wednesday as ‘black day’ to protest against the order issued.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the medical fraternity stating that the government was not forcing doctors to issue certificates to alcoholics and that no action would be taken against them for not writing such prescriptions. Reportedly, the Meghalaya government too has launched a similar scheme, prompting some doctors to point out that medical practitioners are supposed to prescribe medicines to alcoholics.
