Photo Courtesy: nenews
Aizawl: Mizoram has launched a strict, multi-tier verification process for individuals seeking a Red Card permit to legally consume liquor for medical purposes. The Excise and Narcotics Department introduced this special system to accommodate patients who require alcohol as part of their treatment, though officials report that no applications have been filed yet.
To secure a permit, applicants must provide a prescription from a registered doctor detailing why alcohol is necessary for their medical care. This documentation will undergo a thorough review by the local district medical superintendent. Officials emphasized that this policy is strictly for health reasons and not a workaround for the state's ongoing liquor restrictions.
The permit is valid for one year and carries an annual fee of 5,000 rupees. The department stated that the initiative is meant for genuine needs and added, "The Red Card mechanism is part of Mizoram’s controlled liquor policy, which provides limited access to alcohol for people whose health conditions may require its consumption."
Permit holders are restricted to purchasing only the volume of alcohol specified by their doctor. These purchases will be made through a new, dedicated outlet at the Excise and Narcotics Department office in Aizawl. This store will offer alcohol seized by enforcement agencies and cleared for disposal by courts, with prices set at 75 percent below the standard market rate.
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