Finnish livers cannot resist the policies of the Finnish government. This is the headline of the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, which tells of the planned reform of the legislation that has long kept the country away from widespread alcoholism.
Alcohol is not a common food product and its consumption should not be an everyday occurrence, the Finnish Liver and Kidney Association said in a statement. The association is concerned about the reform planned by the Finnish government. The reform will allow you to order alcoholic beverages at home and buy alcohol online. Additionally, the government is considering selling 15% ABV wines in regular grocery stores.
“The alcohol purchasing process has already been considerably simplified. “The Finns have enough alcohol already.” – points out the association.
According to the association, excessive alcohol consumption is common in Finland, although overall alcohol consumption has decreased. According to the Kidney and Liver Association, home delivery of alcohol will facilitate and increase home alcohol consumption, which is already high and often associated with drunkenness.
The mortality rate from liver cirrhosis in Finland is the highest in Europe, the association recalls. According to the Kidney and Liver Association, the relaxation of alcohol policy contradicts the objectives of the government program to significantly reduce morbidity in the population by addressing various risk factors, including alcohol consumption.
“If the government’s reforms are adopted, they will work at a time of reduced funding for social services and organizations involved in health issues. “The negative health effects of alcohol are associated with significant costs and an increasing need for health and social services.” – remember Sari Högströmexecutive director of the Kidney and Liver Association.
As the association emphasizes in a press release, the prevention of alcoholism is more accessible than the treatment of its consequences.
“According to the study, alcohol consumption can be reduced through tax and pricing policies, as well as limiting the availability and sale of alcohol. However, the government does not want to make decisions based on that data.” – says Högström.
