Over 100% Rise in Alcohol-Induced Diseases in Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2024: Govt Report

Andhra Pradesh recorded a massive surge in alcohol-related liver, kidney, and neurological diseases between 2019 and 2024. A state report links the rise to poor-quality liquor sold under the previous government. Young adults aged 35–40 were particularly affected, prompting authorities to review health strategies and liquor policy practices.

A government health report has revealed a sharp surge in alcohol-induced liver, kidney, and neurological diseases in Andhra Pradesh between 2019 and 2024, raising serious public health concerns. The state’s health department, under the supervision of Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu, conducted a decade-long analysis of patient records under the Arogyasri scheme—now renamed NTR Arogya Seva—targeting those below the poverty line.

According to the findings, patients treated for alcohol-related liver diseases more than doubled from 14,026 during 2014-2019 to 29,369 in the 2019-2024 period. Similarly, alcohol-induced neurological cases rose dramatically from 1,276 to 12,663—a 920% spike. Kidney-related ailments also saw a concerning jump, with patient numbers increasing from 49,060 to 90,385.

The study also noted a troubling rise among younger patients, particularly those aged 35-40. Liver-related cases in this age group more than doubled, while neurological disorders surged from 260 to 2,882. The data was gathered from patients receiving treatment at empanelled hospitals through the state health scheme.

Though the report did not pinpoint direct causes for the increase, a senior official, speaking anonymously, suggested that the proliferation of substandard liquor brands during the previous YSR Congress regime could be a major factor. Allegedly, the government replaced established liquor brands with cheaper, lower-quality local alternatives, which may have contributed to the spike in alcohol-related health issues.

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The government has expressed concern over the findings and is currently analyzing the data further to determine appropriate public health interventions.