PIL filed to treat alcoholism as public health issue

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Chennai, Feb 8 (PTI) A Public Interest Litigation, seeking a direction to the Tamil Nadu government to treat alcoholism as a public health issue and start de-addiction centres in all hospitals and Primary Health Centres was filed in the Madras High Court today.

A Narayanan, Managing Director of a firm making scientific equipment, said he was not"for or against prohibition"and that the PIL was to highlight the state government&aposs"total failure"to appreciate that alcoholism had reached"epidemic proportions in Tamil Nadu".

"WHO clearly states that alcoholism is a disease and is a major contributor to death, disability and disease in countries like India. It clearly states that alcoholism is a growing public health issue, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups, especially the socially backward and poor,"he submitted.

He argued the government&aposs sole objective appeared to be to mop up as much revenue as possible, overlooking the fact it had a responsibility to control, if not, prevent alcoholism.

When the PIL came up for hearing before the First Bench comprising Chief Justice H L Gokhale and Justice K K Sasidharan, counsel for the state government and Centre took notice.

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