Coronavirus pandemic | IMA dubs Kerala govt's plan to sell alcohol to patients 'unscientific'

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Even as the 21-day nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of novel coronavirus is in place, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is mulling over selling liquor online for those suffering from withdrawal. The Kerala unit of the Indian Medical Association has, however, dubbed the move “unscientific”.

With all liquor shops across the shop downing their shutters in the wake of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, several social problems have started surfacing, claimed the CM.Coronavirus News India LIVE Updates

Addressing the media, he said on March 30 that the abrupt unavailability of liquor has resulted in acute withdrawal symptoms in several persons. Keeping their well-being in mind, the Excise Department was told to treat such patients for free and admit them in rehabilitation homes.

Vijayan also directed Excise Department officials to sell liquor to persons with a doctor’s prescription to support their claims of withdrawal symptoms. The decision was taken after several reports surfaced of people with acute withdrawal symptoms taking extreme steps; five of them committed suicide.

Kerala: With suicide cases being reported from various parts of the state after liquor sales were stopped here following #CoronavirusLockdown, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the Excise Department to provide liquor to those with a prescription from doctors. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/piGPwc6Ol6

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2020

Scientific treatment should be given to those who have alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can be treated at home or in hospitals with medicines. It is not scientifically acceptable to offer alcohol to them. Doctors have no legal obligation to provide a prescription for alcohol: IMA https://t.co/85LHWyb1xs

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— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2020