Antibiotic Misuse Causing Health Emergency in India

Antibiotic Misuse Creating a Health Emergency in India

Antibiotics, once hailed as miracle drugs, are losing their effectiveness due to misuse and over-the-counter availability in India, leading to a silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance.

Since 1893, antibiotics have played a crucial role in treating severe illnesses, including syphilis, significantly changing modern medicine. The first true antibiotic, ‘penicillin,’ was discovered by Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming in 1929. It treated bacterial infections that were often fatal before antibiotics became available.

However, researchers indicate that while the 20th century marked the golden age of antibiotic discovery, there has been a gradual decline in their development post-1950s.

In India, the easy availability of antibiotics without prescriptions and self-medication has fueled this growing health crisis. A study in 36 retail pharmacies across Haryana and Telangana revealed that antibiotics were often dispensed over-the-counter for viral conditions like fever and cold, which do not require such treatment.

Dr. Vinus Taneja, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, stated, “Antibiotics must be taken in proper dosage. Incorrect dosage may prevent adequate treatment of the infection.” The misuse has dire implications, with over 39 million deaths projected to be directly linked to antimicrobial resistance between 2025 and 2050.

Moreover, the overuse of antibiotics in agriculture and livestock farming contributes to the development of resistant bacteria.

To combat this issue, stricter enforcement of prescription-only sales of antibiotics is necessary.

The misuse and abuse of antibiotics in India are fueling a dangerous rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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