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India's Superbug Crisis: Antibiotic Resistance Soars
4 Dec
Summary
- Self-medication with antibiotics is a major driver of resistance in India.
- Hospital-acquired infections contribute significantly to AMR spread.
- Over-the-counter antibiotic sales need policy intervention.
Antibiotic resistance is alarmingly on the rise in India, driven significantly by the overuse and misuse of these vital medications. A common scenario involves individuals self-medicating for common ailments like colds and flu, often stopping treatment prematurely. This practice fosters the development of multi-drug resistant bacteria, making infections increasingly difficult to treat.
Hospitals also play a role in this escalating crisis. Prolonged stays and invasive procedures can create environments where bacteria are heavily exposed to antibiotics, facilitating the spread of resistant strains. In critical cases, the reliance on powerful, last-resort antibiotics like carbapenems further exacerbates the issue by creating strong selective pressure.
Controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR) necessitates stringent measures, including disciplined prescribing by doctors, mandatory culture sensitivity tests, and hospital antibiograms. Policy interventions, such as banning over-the-counter antibiotic sales, alongside promoting vaccinations, are crucial steps to curb the spread of these stubborn, resistant bacteria.
