New Delhi: We depend on doctors to lead a healthy life as they diagnose problems and prescribe medicines and treatment.
But a doctor prescribing alcohol?
Yes, you heard that right.
A doctor’s prescription can actually help in acquiring liquor in Mizoram, one of few states where alcohol alcohol is prohibited.
However, some Mizoram residents can have access to alcohol if he can furnish a doctor’s prescription, reported NDTV.
The Mizoram government, under Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM), has introduced a special ‘Red Card’ permit, which allows individuals to possess and consume liquor on medical grounds under strict conditions.
The permit is issued only after a registered doctor certifies that alcohol is required as part of a person’s treatment plan. The recommendation has to be further verified by Health department authorities before approval is granted by the Excise and Narcotics Department.
The card, valid for one year, comes at an annual fee of Rs 5,000. Those who have the ‘Red Card’ can only purchase approved quantities of liquor and are barred from consuming alcohol in public places.
The provision was included after amending Mizoram’s prohibition law, which continues to ban alcohol for the general public while creating limited exceptions for medical use.
According to government officials, very few applications were received in the first few days after the scheme was rolled out.
