Harsh Vardhan lauds Chandy for reducing liquor availability

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Friday praised Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy over his government's decision to drastically reduce the availability of liquor.

Vardhan said saving the people from alcohol and tobacco is a priority.

"What the Chief Minister did was a good step and in the right direction, which will benefit the society at large significantly," he said.

The Health Minister added that the loss caused to the individual and family due to alcohol and tobacco intake was irreparable and excessive use causes premature death for individuals and premature destruction of happy families, thus the new liquor policy by Chandy's government is a drastic step that will benefit the society at large.

The Kerala Chief Minister had earlier this month made it clear there is no question of the government going back on its new liquor policy aimed at bringing down liquor consumption in the state.

The Health Minister further stressed upon his support for the decisions and policies like the one made by the Kerala Chief Minister in terms of building a glorious and healthier India.

"If anybody will ask me my opinion as a Health Minister, anything which anyone in this country does in any government, which will strengthen the movement of keeping the people away from alcohol and tobacco, I will be the first one to congratulate them," he added.

Speaking at a function organized by the Regional Cancer Centre in Kumarapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, the Health Minister said cancer, if detected early, could be treated at a fraction of the cost that is incurred when diagnosed at an advanced stage.