Alcohol banned near hospital in Okhaldhunga

OKHALDHUNGA: Okhaldhunga Community Hospital has made a mandatory rule of banning the sale and distribution of alcohol in its surrounding areas.

The hospital has declared an alcohol free zone in the area around 500 meters with the initiative of Lalupate Club and District Police Office. Action would be taken against them if anyone is found selling and consuming the liquor, hospital authorities said.

Although the campaign was launched five years ago, it is yet to be effective. The campaign has been revived by the District Police Office with the coordination of the Club with increased monitoring at Sobru area.

Chief at District Police Office, Pushpa Raj Malla, said that they have strictly implemented the rule after holding discussions with entrepreneurs and local leaders of the area in the presence of club members and people’s representatives.

Malla said, “We have been taking initiative to control alcohol-related incidents in view of the violent and illegal activities in the district lately.”

The local Lalupate Club has been brought into operation with the support of Okhaldhunga Community Hospital for eight years at Sobru. The Club, run by 16 people, has facilitated the treatment of more than 175 persons indulged in addiction.