The liver of Finns does not withstand the policies of the Finnish government. With such a headline came the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, which tells about the planned reform of legislation, which for a long time restrained the country from rampant alcoholism.
Alcohol is not a common food, and its consumption should not be an everyday occurrence, according to a statement from the Finnish Kidney and Liver Association. The Association is concerned about the reform planned by the Finnish government. The reform will allow ordering alcoholic beverages at home and buying alcohol online. In addition, the government is considering the possibility of selling wines with a strength of 15% in regular grocery stores.
"The process of purchasing alcohol is already greatly simplified. Finns already have enough alcohol," the association notes.
According to the association, excessive alcohol consumption is common in Finland, although overall the level of alcohol consumption has decreased. According to the Kidney and Liver Association, home alcohol delivery will facilitate and increase alcohol consumption at home, which already remains at a high level and is often associated with drunkenness.
The mortality rate from cirrhosis of the liver in Finland is the highest in Europe, the association reminds. According to the Kidney and Liver Association, the weakening of alcohol policy contradicts the goals of the government program to significantly reduce the incidence of the population by working with various risk factors, including alcohol consumption.
"If the government's reforms are adopted, they will operate during a period of reduced funding for social spheres and organizations dealing with health issues. The negative impact of alcohol on health is associated with significant spending and a growing need for social and medical services," recalls Sari Hegström, executive 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 such data," says Hegström.