The Ministry of Health is urging members of the public to refrain from swimming under the influence of alcohol and avoid diving into shallow waters since it may lead to spinal injury.
Health Minister Jone Usamate reveals 7 cases of spinal cord injuries have been recorded due to shallow water diving this year, where the divers did not have the knowledge of the depth.
Usamate says that it is a serious concern since it may result in people either ending up in spinal injury or paralysis.
Usamate says these cases mostly occur in the holidays where young people are involved after the consumption of alcohol.
The Minister says the medical costs involved for spinal injury patients is expensive and the estimated cost is over $20,000.
He says this may affect the patient’s productivity and quality of life.
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