​Alcohol-related hospital admissions drops following liquor ban in Hela

​Alcohol-related violence in Hela Province has seen a dramatic decrease, leading to a major drop in emergency admissions at Tari Hospital, according to an official.

Hela Provincial Health Authority [PHA] chief executive officer Dr. James Kintwa confirmed that admissions resulting from alcohol-fueled violence have fallen by 60 to 70 percent.

Hel governor Philip Undialu said alcohol remains the leading driver of violence across the province. He reaffirmed that the Hela Provincial Liquor Licensing Board will maintain a close partnership with the police and PNGDF personnel to strictly enforce the ongoing liquor ban and curb smuggling operations.

​The Undialu revealed that a local school teacher is currently detained at the Tari Police Station cell block for allegedly attempting to smuggle alcohol into the province.

"Despite an active security checkpoint established at Magarima Station, the educator allegedly attempted to bypass the restriction in pursuit of quick financial gain," he said.

​Governor Undialu said public servants are expected to serve as role models within their communities and warned that anyone caught participating in illegal activities would face severe penalties and administrative discipline.

​"The ban was enacted in response to persistent calls from local churches, women's groups, and community leaders," he said.

"Special tribute to the late Janet Korima, the first woman to represent women’s interests in the Hela Provincial Assembly since 2013, who was a dedicated advocate for both the alcohol ban and the surrender of illegal firearms."

Undialu urged mothers, ward councilors, and community leaders to actively report anyone involved in the illegal sale or distribution of liquor to the police.