Health Ministry express concern over excess use of antibiotics

Expressing concern over the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the intake of antibiotics without consulting a doctor may lead to several health complexities. Earlier, a report compiled by the ICMR found antibiotic-resistant organisms in the digestive tracts.

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry on Monday expressed serious concerns over reports related to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance among Indians of all age groups.

A report compiled by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found antibiotic-resistant organisms in the digestive tracts.

The situation has further aggravated after a survey done by the Association of Healthcare Providers (India) said that in most cases doctors prescribe antibiotics.

"Even for viral and fungal infections, doctors are prescribing antibiotics. If there is seriously some critical issue, the antibiotics will certainly not work," said Dr Giridhar Gyani, Director General of Association of Healthcare Providers told ETV Bharat.

The association had recently conducted a survey in Kerala which stated that almost 80 per cent of doctors (in the survey) prescribe antibiotics on a regular basis.

"We have started an antibiotics stewardship programme which will educate and persuade prescribers of antimicrobials to follow evidence-based prescribing," said Dr Gyani.

Aware of the fact, the Union Home Ministry has also expressed serious concern.

"It's really serious. If people take antibiotics even without prescribing or consulting doctors, this may be totally harmful," said Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

The ICMR study was, however, based on the analysis of stool samples of 207 individuals who had not taken antibiotics for at least a month and did not suffer from any chronic illness.

However, isolates taken from 139 of 207 individuals were found to be resistant to one or more antibiotic class.