Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss inaugurating the Alcohol Atlas Launch Ceremony by lighting the lamp in presence of Swami Aginvesh, Dr. S. Arul Rhaj, Mr. Johnson J. Edayaranmula
and Dr. Hariharan (Photo Courtesy: Press Information Bureau)
The Launching Ceremony of the “Alcohol Atlas of India” was held at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 29th April 2008. Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss (Hon’ble Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Government of India) was the Chief Guest on the occasion and he released the Manual by handing over the first copy to Dr. Vijay Chandra (WHO Regional Advisor on Mental Health & Substance Abuse for South East Asia). Swami Agnivesh (Veteran Social Activist) was the Guest of Honour. Dr. S. Arul Rhaj (Chairman, IAPA & President, Commonwealth Medical Association) presided over the function. Mr. Derek Rutherford, (Chairman, Global Alcohol Policy Alliance) delivered the Keynote Address Dr. Shanthi Ranganathan, Mrs. Monika Arora and Mr. Johnson J. Edayaranmula addressed the function.
 Releasing the Alcohol Atlas, Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss said alcohol has become one of the gravest public health issues. “Alcohol is not just a health problem; it is a social and public health problem. The Government will start consultation with States soon to formulate a full-fledged Alcohol Policy which will look at ways to increase taxation in a way to cut down alcohol us, limit the number of liquor shops and increase de-addiction sites. Under the 11th Five Year Plan there will be separate allocation for anti-alcohol advocacy”, the Minister said.
According to Dr. Ramadoss, studies have revealed that the revenue generated from the industry is less than the revenue loss due to alcohol-related health problems. “Society bears a considerable economic burden connected to massive social harms resulting from alcohol use, including alcohol-related crime and disorder, domestic violence, neglect of family, child abuse, accidents, loss of productivity and poverty. The increasing production, distribution, promotion and easy availability of alcohol poses a great challenge”, he said.
 Mr. Derek Rutherford, Chairman, GAPA delivering the Keynote Address lauded the commitment of the Hon’ble Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and welcomed the launch of the Alcohol Atlas. “India is not immune from the present global culture of intoxication. With the increase in national GDP and individual disposable income among the young, India is seen by both the global and national drinks industry as a market with the potential for enormous growth in profit. The Alcohol Atlas is a timely response to alert the people of India, politicians and government to the urgent need to explore and adopt evidence-based alcohol policies to reduce the harmful effects of the alcohol explosion India faces”, Mr. Rutherford said.
| The delegates and the Media |
“Alcohol Atlas of India” is the first major manual from Indian Alcohol Policy Alliance (IAPA), as part of its commitment to prevent alcohol related harm through evidence based policy intervention, advocacy and capacity building.
The Alcohol Atlas is a useful reference guide for policy makers, professionals, national and international organizations and institutions who are engaged on alcohol issues. The Atlas is divided into four sections. Section 1 traces the history of alcohol from times ancient to the present age; Section 2 discusses the current patterns and trends of alcohol use; Section 3 details the burden and socio-economic impact of alcohol; and Section 4 provides a quick overview of various policy trends and intervention strategies to reduce alcohol related harm throughout the world.
Download ‘Alcohol Atlas of India’
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