Antibiotic use and resistance in India is a significant public health crisis, driven by overuse, misuse, and inadequate regulation . This has led to a concerning rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing severe threats to public health and the economy .
- High Rates of Antibiotic Resistance:
- Mortality: In 2019, antibiotic-resistant infections directly caused approximately 300,000 deaths in India, including newborns, and contributed to an additional 1 million deaths .
- Comparison to Other Diseases: AMR in India causes more mortality than diseases like neoplasms, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, diabetes, and kidney ailments .
- Causes of Antibiotic Misuse:
- Self-Medication: Inaccessible healthcare and a lack of knowledge about infectious diseases often lead to self-prescription of antibiotics without professional guidance .
- Over-the-Counter Sales: Unrestricted over-the-counter availability of antibiotics contributes to overuse and misuse .
- Incomplete Treatment: Some bacteria may survive when antibiotic treatments are not completed, providing them with the chance to adapt and flourish .
- Impact on Healthcare and Economy:
- Increased Healthcare Costs: Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria are linked to higher healthcare expenses and resource utilization .
- Economic Burden: AMR is projected to cause 2 million deaths in India alone by 2050, resulting in significant economic losses .
- Government Initiatives and Strategies:
- National Action Plan (NAP) for AMR: India has implemented the NAP for AMR, aligning with international guidelines established by the World Health Organization (WHO) .
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (AMSP): AMSPs aim to promote the optimal use of antibiotics, including monitoring dosage, medication selection, and duration of administration .
- Challenges and Way Forward:
- Environmental Contamination: Hospital effluents in India contain high concentrations of antibiotics, which can cause genotoxic changes and create resistant microorganisms .
- Need for Comprehensive Strategies: Combating AMR requires multi-sectoral strategies, including public awareness campaigns, stricter regulations on antibiotic sales, and expanded antibiotic stewardship programs .
- “One Health” Approach: Collaboration between fields that deal with the health of people, animals, plants, and the environment .
In simple terms, the overuse of antibiotics in India has led to a rise in drug-resistant infections, causing many deaths and straining the healthcare system. A more detailed explanation includes the causes of antibiotic misuse, the impact on healthcare and the economy, government initiatives, and the challenges that need to be addressed to combat this growing crisis . visit page www.eminentnews.com
