Alcohol killed thirteen people in Kuwait

(Patria) - The Ministry of Health of Qatar announced that the consumption of alcohol in Kuwait in the past few days has killed thirteen people, and dozens more have sought emergency medical assistance.

"Since last Saturday, hospitals have treated 63 cases of alcohol poisoning caused by the consumption of drinks contaminated with methanol," the ministry said in a statement, AFP reported.

Alcohol imports were banned by the government in 1964, and consumption was criminalized in the 1980s.

According to the Ministry of Health, the rare wave of alcohol poisoning resulted in 21 cases of blindness and impaired vision, 51 cases requiring emergency dialysis, and 31 cases requiring a respirator, with all patients coming from the Asian expatriate community in Kuwait.

A large part of Kuwait's population consists of migrant workers from South Asia, who are largely represented in the construction, service, and retail sectors.