Amid Coronavirus outbreak, Kerala is now facing a different problem in its attempt to tackle the spread of the disease — it is the suicides that are being committed by tipplers deprived of liquor.
Tipplers deprived of liquor
According to a report, Five tipplers committed suicide on Saturday in Kerala apparently due to the non-availability of liquor. After the three-week lockdown was announced on March 24, all commercial businesses including liquor shops have been shut down. Previously, the state governments had been flooded with reports of people threatening with suicides if alcohol was not provided.
A 40-year old hotel employee committed suicide by jumping into a well in the early hours of Sunday as he could not get his regular supply of alcohol over the last week. Originally he worked as a cook in a hotel and had been showing withdrawal symptoms since the lockdown began. A case has been registered in the matter.
In another incident, a 38-year-old man working in a barbershop in Kayamkulam consumed shaving lotion after he didn’t get alcohol. Though he was taken to hospital after he developed uneasiness, he died.
On Saturday, in Kodungaloor in Thrissur district, a youth committed suicide by jumping into the river after suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Kerala govt’s action over the situation
Seeing the situation going out of control, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the Excise Department to provide liquor to those with a prescription from doctors.
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
The Kerala government has also asked the Excise Department to provide free treatment and admit people with withdrawal symptoms to the de-addiction centers.
The Chief Minister has said the government is also considering the option of online sale of liquor as the sudden unavailability of alcohol may lead to social problems.
“It is a dangerous situation. Tipplers will soon flood the government hospitals for certificates. We can’t prescribe liquor for many ills and it is against our medical ethics. Already hospitals are in the thick of Covid threat. We can’t invite more trouble at this juncture,” said Kerala Government Medical Officers (KGMOA) state president Joseph Chacko.
