Alcohol poisoning claims 13 lives; Ministry of Health manages 63 cases since Saturday
In Kuwait, a methanol poisoning crisis has emerged due to the consumption of illicit alcoholic beverages contaminated with toxic methanol. Since early August 2025, over 160 poisoning cases and 23 deaths have been reported, with many victims suffering severe outcomes such as blindness, kidney failure, and respiratory complications.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has established a helpline for family members to contact for updates about the situation: +965 655501587 (regular or WhatsApp call). The embassy is closely monitoring the situation, with 40 Indian nationals hospitalised, some critically ill or deceased.
The toxic alcohol is methanol, a highly poisonous industrial alcohol often used in paints and chemicals. Kuwaiti authorities have uncovered 10 illegal methanol-producing factories operating in both residential and industrial areas, dismantling a large-scale bootlegging network. Investigations revealed involvement of several Asian nationals, including a Bangladeshi identified as the ringleader, along with Indian and Nepalese members.
The severity of the crisis is evident, with 51 patients requiring urgent kidney dialysis, 31 put on ventilators, and at least 21 suffering permanent or severe visual impairment due to methanol toxicity. Fatality rates remain high, with 23 deaths confirmed by August 18, up from 13 reported earlier in the month.
The victims are predominantly Asian expatriates, reflecting Kuwait’s large migrant workforce primarily from South Asia employed in sectors like construction, domestic services, and retail. The Ministry of Health in Kuwait has handled 63 cases of alcohol poisoning since last Saturday, with symptoms varying in severity.
The authorities are actively conducting raids, arrests, and public warnings to combat the illegal production and distribution while urging people to report suspected poisoning cases. The coordination between hospitals, the Kuwait Poison Control Center, security agencies, and other authorities is ongoing.
However, the Indian Embassy's social media post did not provide any new information about the source or cause of the methanol contamination in the beverages. Nor did it specify the severity of symptoms or the need for specific medical interventions for the Indian patients, or mention any updates on the status of the ongoing investigations into the alcohol poisoning cases. The embassy's social media post also did not mention any new deaths or permanent disabilities among the Indian patients.
In response to the escalating health-and-wellness crisis in Kuwait, the Indian Embassy has set up a helpline to assist family members seeking updates: +965 655501587 (regular or WhatsApp call). Simultaneously, scientists and health professionals are conducting extensive research to understand the long-term mental-health implications for the survivors of this methanol poisoning tragedy.
