Figures show the number of patients with discharge records from Scottish general acute hospitals with explicit diagnoses of alcohol-related conditions has gone up 37,909 between 1990 and 2005.

At Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, there was an increase over that period from 346 to 1690. Perth Royal Infirmary had 614 cases in 2004/05, compared with 186 in 1990/91.

The SNP’s shadow health minister, Shona Robison, said, “We need action now to ensure this toll on our nation’s health is addressed.”

Ms Robison went on, “The problem is not new, but these statistics underline the seriousness of the situation.

“The massive increase in the number of people discharged from Ninewells suffering the impact of alcohol abuse is far greater than across the rest of Scotland.”

“It’s not only the adverse effect on health that concerns me, but the impact on social order that we see on our streets every weekend.

“The people of this area have had enough of the problems associated with alcohol abuse.”

There were 51,599 cases across Scotland last year, compared with 13,890 in 1990, according to the statistics obtained through a parliamentary answer at the Scottish Parliament.

The figures represent an increase of 271%.

The Scottish Executive today admitted the matter was serious. A spokesman said, “Personal responsibility is crucial and that is why we are educating people on the healthy choices for diet and lifestyle.”

He added that almost £10 million has been put into rehabilitation services and educating the public on the dangers of binge drinking in both 2005/06 and 2006/07.

New licensing laws will include measures to tackle “irresponsible pro-motions” in pubs.

He said, “We have funded an advertising campaign aimed at cutting binge drinking in young people and published a guide for parents to help them talk to children about the dangers of alcohol.

“We will publish an updated alcohol action plan later this year.”