The Minister of Public Health is concerned about the illegal liquor situation in Bangkok, ordering the Department of Medical Services and related agencies to solve the problem, and urgently warning the public, emphasizing the dangers that can lead to death.
Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health, said that from the situation where many patients were hospitalized at the same time due to drinking illegal liquor, the Ministry of Public Health has coordinated with relevant agencies in the eastern Bangkok area, such as the Khlong Sam Wa District Office, Bangkok, the Excise Department of Bangkok, and police officers. Currently, the Department of Medical Services has set up the first operation center at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital to plan treatment and provide accurate information to the public quickly. According to the report of the operation center, there were 21 patients who began receiving treatment at various hospitals from August 22, 2024 until now (August 25, 2024), of which 1 person died. Most p
atients who were hospitalized came with symptoms of dizziness, stomachache, severe nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, blurred vision, loss of vision or abnormal vision in both eyes, convulsions, and lethargy. Symptoms may occur after consuming fake liquor for up to 24 hours. This group of patients is currently being treated by doctors and nurses, and the source of the illegal liquor that caused the large number of patients has been investigated. Public relations have also been issued to warn people in the area to avoid drinking illegal liquor because it can be life-threatening.
Dr. Amporn Benjapolpitak, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, said that the Department of Medical Services has coordinated treatment planning with various agencies both inside and outside the Ministry of Public Health to allow people to access treatment quickly, reduce severe symptoms and death. She also ordered Dr. Pairoj Suratwanich, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, to fully s
upport and work with Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, and coordinate with medical teams from various hospitals under the Department of Medical Services, including hospitals under the Bangkok Health Department and UHOSNet or the network of hospitals in the Medical School Group of Thailand, and hold a meeting with relevant parties to resolve the problem as quickly as possible, using the information to make decisions on concrete solutions and prevent recurrence.
For hospital preparation, it has been ordered to prepare to accommodate the increasing number of patients and to prepare sufficient transfer units to accommodate the number of patients without affecting the patients currently being treated in the hospital. However, if after drinking alcohol you experience dizziness, stomachache, severe nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, blurred vision, loss of vision or abnormal vision in both eyes, may have convulsions, twitching throughout the body, lethargy, you should see a doctor immediately or call to consult you
r symptoms at Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital, Tel. 0-2548-1000
Source: Thai News Agency