‘Alcohol fuelling trauma cases’

The increase in the number alcoholrelated trauma cases and its impact on the health system has been tabled before the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC).

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said this yesterday during a visit to Tshwane District Hospital as Gauteng’s Covid-19 cases increased sharply.

Mkhize said the decision to table the issue before the NCCC followed a stark increase in alcohol-related trauma cases after the ban on the sale of alcohol was lifted on 1 June when Level 3 lockdown regulations came into effect.

“When there was a lockdown, it was quite clear that casualty departments did not have a lot of pressure,” Mkhize said.

As a result, there were more hospital beds and less pressure on the health system, including intensive care units, the minister added.

“We have now been receiving in this hospital, and many other hospitals, lots of complains about that fact that the alcohol-related trauma is causing a lot of pressure.”

Mkhize said studies showed that since the easing of the lockdown to Level 3 and the lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol, there was a 40 to 50% increase in trauma cases.

He added that the increase was observed in all hospitals and that in some instances, intensive care units also saw an increase in patients admitted for alcohol-related trauma.

“It’s quite debilitating when you have to deal with the numbers.

“A number of people have come in with stab wounds, gunshots. And some of those involved in accidents, we found that a good percentage of them had a high level of alcohol in their systems.” “We have tabled this issue so that the NCCC must consider because we think while we are going through this situation, it’s a matter that we must look at.”

Mkhize added that once the matter was decided, he hoped that there would be some relief or support.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has previously spoken about the issue of alcohol and the strain it puts on the health system.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura has, in recent weeks, spoken about considering limiting the sale of alcohol in the province.

Under Level 3, consumers can buy alcohol products from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm.

– News24 Wire