Kuwait City: Around 40 Indian nationals have been hospitalised in Kuwait in recent days. Some of the victims have died, while others remain in critical condition or are recovering, the Indian Embassy said on Wednesday. It is suspected that the expats fell ill after consuming locally made alcohol.

The Ministry of Health said its hospitals have treated 63 cases of alcohol poisoning since last Saturday, traced to methanol-contaminated beverages, Times Kuwait reported. The ministry said the severity of symptoms varied: 31 patients required ventilators, 51 underwent urgent kidney dialysis, and 21 suffered permanent blindness or impaired vision. Thirteen people, all of Asian nationalities, have died so far.

The victims are believed to have consumed locally made alcohol purchased from the same source, though at different locations. Arab Times reported the liquor was bought from Al Shuyoukh Block 4. The incident comes amid an ongoing crackdown on fake liquor production in Kuwait, where alcohol is banned.

Authorities have intensified raids following earlier incidents, including one in May when two expatriates were found dead on a rooftop in Khaitan. A forensic report then concluded they likely died of alcohol poisoning.

The Indian Ambassador and embassy officials have visited government hospitals to assess patients’ conditions and are coordinating with Kuwait’s Ministry of Health for their treatment. A dedicated helpline +965-65501587 (WhatsApp and regular calls) has been set up for family members to contact the Embassy, which is extending all possible assistance to those affected.