Address of Dr S Arul Rhaj at the launch of the
Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance

India is a country whose tradition, culture and values anticipated the temperance movement that started in the West in the middle of the nineteenth century. The Father of our nation, Mohandas Karam Chand Gandhi had asked us to “leave alone the vices of the West and strive to adopt the best it has to give”. Today the scenario is entirely different. Alcohol consumption in India is not only growing but it has become a threat to public health. Western alcohol industries are targeting the Indian market. This is worrying in the light of the extent of the alcohol problem in India. Dr Arul Rhaj made the following points:

• Alcohol use is on the increase and it is estimated that there are 62.5 million users;

• Age of initiating consumption has declined from 30 to 19 years of age;

• More women have started using alcohol;

• Per capita consumption has gone up by 106.7% over a 15 year period;

• Sale of alcohol is growing at a rate of 8% per year;

• Alcohol related diseases are growing leading to the occupation of 1 in 5 Hospital Beds. This assertion is based on my three decades of experience in Cardiology and Intensive Care as a Senior Physician;

• Alcohol related liver, cardiac disorders, neurological and psychiatric problems are increasing;

• 20% of all traffic accidents and 35% of injuries treated in hospitals are alcohol related;

• 34% of all suicides are either committed under the influence of alcohol or related to alcohol use;

• 270,000 people die due to use and abuse of alcohol every year;

• Domestic Violence is on the increase - 3000 family abuse cases are registered every year.

In some states of India revenue from alcohol sales is Rs.250,000 million. Expenditure on health care and loss due to decrease in manpower is three times more than the revenue received. Yet, Government, on the one hand, needs this Revenue to meet its expenditure and, on the other hand, remains concerned about the social, economic and health hazards arising out of alcohol use.

The alcohol Industry is keen on increasing its business through a wide range of marketing strategies and through surrogate advertising circumventing advertising bans. In addition the media provides a great deal of information to the population including the message “alcohol is good for your heart” – a message which is inappropriate to India.

The Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance (IAPA) has a vision of promoting a “Healthy India”. It will strive to sensitize decision makers and the general public to understand the need for a comprehensive alcohol policy strategy.

IAPA’s Mission
The Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance will:

• be an advocacy body seeking to control availability and to reduce alcohol related harm. Achieving this through policy intervention and capacity building especially among youth and women;

• work in close association with Government both Central, State and Non Governmental Agencies;

• be a watch dog for the activities of the Industry more so on their promotional strategies;

• be an awareness creating body in society;

• invite research to assess the impact of use and abuse of alcohol on various fields such as family, occupation, and finance;

• will support and encourage abstinence, mainly while driving, at work, in sport and for pregnant women.

IAPA has to be culturally sensitive and pragmatic in its approach and message. Whilst the number of alcohol users grow, the majority of the population is abstinent. IAPA’s message is succinctly summed up in the slogan:

• Less is Better:Abstinence is Best
  

• IAPA will give a platform to everyone interested in reducing the harms of alcohol use. In 2005 – 06 the focus will be on “Drinking and Driving”.

• In a developing country health is the foundation upon which the wealth of the nation is built. “Health
  is wealth” but “Wealth is not Health” However, “Health with Wealth equals Strength”

• IAPA wants to see a “Healthy India” progressing to a “Wealthy India” leading to a “Strong India”.

• Let us all see a strong India through a healthy India free from alcohol abuse.