Prime Minister Modi Highlights Urgent Need to Address Antibiotic Misuse
Raising Awareness on Antimicrobial Resistance
New Delhi, Dec 29: Health professionals have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent message regarding the misuse of antibiotics, emphasizing its significance in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a critical health issue.
During his final 'Mann Ki Baat' session of the year on Sunday, PM Modi cautioned against the improper use of antibiotics and highlighted the increasing levels of AMR in India.
He referenced a concerning report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which indicated that antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against conditions like pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Describing the situation as “extremely worrying,” he urged the public to refrain from casually using antibiotics.
Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, remarked, "The Prime Minister has successfully drawn national attention to the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance." He explained that AMR means that bacteria responsible for infections such as pneumonia and UTIs are becoming resistant to the antibiotics typically used to treat them.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of IMA Cochin and head of the Research Cell in Kerala, labeled AMR as a serious and silent threat to the healthcare system.
“The scenario where antibiotics fail against bacteria is alarming, especially since no new antibiotics are being introduced. AMR often goes unnoticed as it lacks obvious symptoms, making the Prime Minister’s remarks crucial for raising awareness,” he stated.
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report revealed that approximately one-third of bacterial infections in India were resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics in 2023, compared to one in six globally.
National AMR surveillance data also indicate concerning resistance trends in pathogens like E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Furthermore, a study published in the Lancet eClinical Medicine journal warned that India is at the forefront of a superbug crisis, with many patients carrying multiple highly resistant organisms.
It was found that over 80% of Indian patients harbor multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), the highest rate worldwide.
Dr. Neeraj Nischal, an Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, Delhi, stated that PM Modi's call for citizens to avoid self-medication and only use antibiotics when prescribed by a doctor is a timely public health initiative. He emphasized that AMR is a silent yet catastrophic pandemic that India cannot ignore.
Dr. Nischal explained that AMR does not require new pathogens; it flourishes due to poor practices such as over-the-counter access, incomplete treatment courses, unnecessary prescriptions, and inappropriate use for viral infections.
“Treating antibiotics as shortcuts leads to long-term consequences, including untreatable infections. Misuse today could make routine surgeries, childbirth, and cancer treatments significantly riskier in the future,” he warned.
Dr. Jayadevan cautioned the public against assuming that all fevers or colds necessitate antibiotics.
Experts advise against self-medication with antibiotics and recommend using them only when prescribed by a healthcare professional. If antibiotics are prescribed, it is crucial to complete the entire course.
“Doctors should adhere to evidence-based prescribing practices, and pharmacists must enforce prescription-only sales. Government regulation is vital, especially as rapid delivery services can facilitate quick access to antibiotics, sometimes with inadequate prescriptions,” Dr. Nischal concluded, stressing the need for collective action to combat AMR.