100% Increase In Alcohol-Related Liver Diseases During Jagan Govt In Andhra, Panel Finds
Officials suspect that the switch to "cheaper, potentially lower-quality liquor" may be contributing to the spike in liver and kidney ailments.
Cases of alcohol-related liver disease in Andhra Pradesh doubled between 2019 and 2024 when YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was the chief minister, as compared to the previous government, a state-appointed expert panel has found.
The three-member panel formed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu analysed health data from Arogyasri, a flagship scheme that provides healthcare to low-income families. It highlighted a sharp 100 per cent surge in liver disease cases. The report has claimed that the rise was from 14,026 cases in 2014–19 to 29,369 in 2019–24.
Investigators are examining alleged irregularities in the liquor trade. Officials suspect that the switch to "cheaper, potentially lower-quality liquor" may be contributing to the spike in liver and kidney ailments.
Cases of alcohol-related neurological disorders rose by a staggering 892 percent, from 1,276 in 2014–19 to 12,663 in the most recent period.
"We find a startling increase in the number of liver and neurological patients in 2019–24 compared to 2014–19," Special Chief Secretary of Health KS Jawahar Reddy said. He said the state is forming an advisory board of national and international experts to study the findings and recommend preventive measures.
The panel reported abnormal increases across four categories: liver, kidney, mental health, and neurological diseases.
Jagan Mohan Reddy Faces ED Probe
Earlier this week, the Enforcement Directorate registered a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, based on a 2024 first information report filed by the state's economic offences CID.
Investigators are examining alleged irregularities in the liquor trade, including manipulation of procurement orders, removal of nationally reputed liquor brands, and the introduction of local brands reportedly linked to YSRCP affiliates.
The SIT's interim report alleged that despite available stocks, popular brands were deliberately withheld from government-run outlets, while new, locally produced brands, including Andhra Gold Whisky, Good Friends Whisky, Dare House Brandy, Champion Special Whisky, and Hearts Desire Whisky, were promoted beyond regulatory limits.
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