Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent caution against the improper use of antibiotics has drawn attention to the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which health experts consider a critical health issue. In his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, PM Modi highlighted the growing problem of AMR in India, referencing a concerning report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The ICMR report indicated a troubling trend where antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against diseases like pneumonia and urinary tract infections in the country. This development has raised alarm bells, prompting PM Modi to urge the public to avoid casual use of antibiotics. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, emphasized the significance of PM Modi’s message in creating awareness about AMR nationwide.
Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, a prominent healthcare figure, described AMR as a serious and silent threat looming over the healthcare system. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue, especially considering the lack of new antibiotics being developed. The World Health Organization (WHO) also highlighted the severity of the situation, reporting that a significant portion of bacterial infections in India are resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
National data on AMR surveillance further underscored the worrisome resistance patterns observed in pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Experts have expressed concerns over India’s position at the forefront of a superbug outbreak, with a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms among patients. Dr. Neeraj Nischal from AIIMS, Delhi, commended PM Modi’s call to action against self-medication and stressed the importance of using antibiotics only under medical supervision.
The experts emphasized the need for responsible antibiotic use, cautioning against unnecessary prescriptions and incomplete courses. They highlighted the critical role of evidence-based prescribing by healthcare providers and the enforcement of prescription-only sales by pharmacists. Combating AMR, they noted, requires a collective effort involving individuals, healthcare professionals, and regulatory authorities.
