Kathmandu: Stakeholders and experts have emphasized the importance of a long-term strategy to mitigate the health and social impacts associated with alcohol consumption.
According to National News Agency Nepal, at a program titled ‘Situation of Consumption of Alcohol in Nepal: Policy-Level Challenges, Addiction and Mental Health’ organized by the Nepal Alcohol Policy Alliance (NAPA) in coordination with the National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre, speakers highlighted the necessity of a sustained policy to regulate alcohol products.
On this occasion, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population, Dr. Bikas Devkota, stated that alcohol control requires a long-term approach rather than seeking immediate results. He stressed that it is a shared responsibility among individuals, families, society, and the state to protect future generations by controlling alcohol consumption.
Secretary Devkota mentioned that discussions are underway regarding a proposal to increase taxes as a means to reduce alcohol consumption. He emphasized the need for greater public awareness and the collective commitment to advance policy-level reforms and long-term solutions in a phased manner.
Similarly, Dr. Radhika Thapaliya, Director of the Centre, highlighted the need for school-level public awareness programs targeting adolescents. She suggested that preventing the upcoming generation from consuming alcohol would be more effective. Dr. Thapaliya also expressed that the control of alcohol consumption should begin with changing societal perceptions towards alcohol products.
Senior Public Health Administrator Upendra Dhungana noted that the mortality rate is rising as alcohol consumption has both immediate and long-term health impacts. He mentioned that a concept paper for an integrated act related to alcohol control has been prepared, with further discussions and groundwork in progress.
Psychiatrist Dr. Jasmine Ma warned about the risks of addiction, violence, anxiety, and depression associated with early-age alcohol consumption, emphasizing the serious impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. She advocated for a special school-level program to protect young individuals from alcohol consumption.