Kuwait: Toxic Alcohol Leaves 40 Indians Hospitalised

Over 63 people had suffered methanol poisoning after consuming contaminated alcoholic drinks in the last few days, according to the Kuwait health ministry. This led to 13 deaths and 21 cases of blindness or impaired vision.

In a statement on X late on Wednesday, the ministry said that all the affected were from Asian nations. Of the affected 51 required urgent kidney dialysis and 31 needed mechanical ventilation.

Those consuming alcohol in Kuwait are prone to the risk of poisoning as Kuwait bans the import or domestic production of alcoholic beverages, while some is manufactured in the country illegally in secret locations, that lack scrutiny of safety standards.

The Embassy of India in Kuwait said that around 40 Indian nations in Kuwait have been hospitalized in the last few days. However, the reason behind the hospitalization was not specified.

The Embassy also said that there have been some fatalities, some are in a critical condition, while some others are recovering. Further details are being sought, the Embassy said.