Alarming Increase in Alcohol-Related Diseases in Andhra Pradesh: A Concerning Trend
Alcohol-related diseases saw a significant increase in the period from 2019 to 2024, as per the report.
Andhra Pradesh has reported a shocking spike in alcohol-induced liver, kidney, and neurological diseases from 2019 to 2024, as per a state study disclosed recently [1].
The Special Chief Secretary to Health, M T Krishna Babu, revealed that a committee of esteemed physicians was constituted to analyze the health profiles of patients treated in various hospitals under the Arogyasri scheme (renamed NTR Arogya Seva by the current Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government) over the past decade. The committee was tasked with determining the types of diseases affecting patients and identifying those linked to excessive alcohol consumption [2].
The data complied from the Arogyasri scheme's patient database showed a disturbing trend. Comparing the figures from 2014-19 to 2019-24, the number of patients suffering from alcohol-related liver diseases jumped from 14,026 to 29,369—representing a staggering 100% increase in just five years. Similarly, the number of patients dealing with alcohol-related neurological diseases surged from 1,276 to 12,663, indicating a astronomical 920% increase [2].
Interestingly, the most affected age group in both liver and neurological diseases was 35-40 years old [2]. The number of young patients battling alcohol-related liver diseases rose from 4,437 to 9,362, while the number of young patients hospitalized for neurological diseases increased from 260 to 2,882.
Regarding alcohol-induced kidney diseases, the number of patients escalated from 49,060 during 2014-19 to 90,385 during 2019-24 [2].
Although the experts committee didn't attribute specific causes for this steep increase in alcohol-related diseases, an unnamed department official speculated that the rise could be due to the proliferation of substandard liquor brands, produced by local distilleries at cheaper rates during the previous YSR Congress party administration [1]. The official suggested that the elimination of popular brands and their replacement with local, low-quality brands may have contributed to the spike in alcohol-related health issues.
[1] Andhra Pradesh records alarming rise in alcohol-related liver, kidney, neurological diseases[2] Andhra Pradesh grapples with increased incidences of alcohol addiction, health issues{=html)on.com/news/world/americas/andhra-pradesh-grapples-with-increased-incidences-of-alcohol-addiction-health-issues/nng82507bW0lZLxd9iO5d5qmwWm1)
The stark ascent in alcohol-related diseases in Andhra Pradesh raises serious concerns about public health and the social impact of alcohol consumption in the region.
- The Indian government, specifically the Telugu Desam Party-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, needs to address the alarming increase in alcohol-related diseases.
- It is crucial for the government to critically analyze the health conditions of patients treated under the NTR Arogya Seva scheme to identify the root causes of these diseases.
- The surge in alcohol-related liver, kidney, and neurological diseases demands immediate attention, particularly among the 35-40-year-old demographic.
- The proliferation of substandard liquor brands could potentially explain the rise in alcohol-related diseases in Andhra Pradesh, as suggested by an unnamed official.
- To combat alcohol-induced diseases, there is a need to focus on both medical-conditions such as chronic kidney disease and chronic liver diseases, as well as mental health concerns arising from addiction.
- The government should advocate for better nutrition and encourage fitness and exercise as part of a holistic approach to health and wellness.
- In addition to therapies and treatments for alcohol-related diseases, there must be a thrust on prevention measures and public awareness campaigns to educate people about the risks associated with alcohol consumption.
- Neurological disorders, like those linked to excessive alcohol use, need urgent attention and comprehensive strategies to manage and treat them effectively.
- With a rise in alcohol-related diseases, it is essential to delve deeper into analyzing the science behind these conditions and devise targeted strategies to combat them at the state and national level.
