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Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Don't skip diagnostic tests, they are key to avoid antibiotic resistance: Experts
Nagpur: "Don't shun diagnostic tests; they are ," declared experts at the 3rd , which concluded on Sunday. The two-day event, organised by Criticare Research Institute in association with the Association of Physicians of India, Vidarbha chapter, focused on ' ', strongly emphasising addressing the growing global threat of Camilla Rodrigues, a microbiologist and diagnostics veteran, stressed the importance of utilising modern diagnostic tools. "Nowadays, very good are available to detect precisely which kind of infection a patient has, allowing for targeted antibiotic or other drug prescriptions," Dr Rodrigues explained."But many are still reluctant to conduct these tests. They consider them useless because some tests turn out negative, and they perceive them as costly. However, it is crucial to understand that these tests are essential to avoid the overuse of unnecessary antibiotics, which can lead to and life-threatening consequences in the future. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We are deeply concerned that by 2050, more than 50% of deaths worldwide could be attributed to antibiotic resistance." She also emphasised the importance of adult vaccination against common infections like flu and pneumonia, stating, "Lesser the use of antibiotics, better for your larger health."Veteran infectious disease physician Dr Rajeev Soman echoed these concerns, stating, "Antibiotic resistance is a major issue, and doctors are worried. People are rampantly using antibiotics, often obtaining them over the counter, which is very dangerous. Even doctors need to educate them against this rampant use because once resistance develops, the antibiotic becomes useless. The number of effective antibiotics is limited globally, and new molecules are not being developed easily. Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to invest in costly R&D for antibiotics that are destined to become ineffective."Dr Kapil Borawake, speaking on sepsis management, emphasised the significant problems antibiotic resistance poses in ICUs. "It becomes extremely difficult to handle patients in critical condition in the ICU if they have antibiotic resistance," Dr Borawake said. "Therefore, I advise patients to seek medical attention promptly and get their infections diagnosed early to avoid hospitalisation. We can prevent 20% of hospitalisations due to infectious diseases with early detection."The convention also featured discussions by Dr Deepak Jeswani and Dr Nikhil Balankhe on AMR and its clinical implications, with Dr Jeswani also giving a presentation on the approach to tropical fever in the Measures Against Antibiotic ResistanceVaccination: Prevents infections, reducing the need for antibioticsDiagnostic tests: Identify the specific infection, enabling targeted treatmentEarly detection: Seeking timely medical help can prevent severe infections and hospitalisationNo over-the-counter antibiotics: Avoid self-medication with antibiotics; always consult a doctor
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
KARSAP: 450 pharmacy licences suspended, five cancelled
Licences of 450 pharmacies have been suspended and that of five cancelled to prevent antibiotic misuse as part of strengthening the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), Minister for Health Veena George has said. The Minister who presided over a meeting on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) said the government directive to medical stores to not sell antibiotics without doctors' prescription had been almost fully implemented. The use of antibiotics had not only declined by 20-30% in the State, but it had also been ensured that those in use were comparatively less dangerous. The meeting decided to intensify tests to detect antibiotic residues in milk, meat, and fish. Directions were given to reduce antibiotic levels in cattle and poultry feed. Colour coding It was decided to introduce colour coding to make all hospitals in the State antibiotic smart hospitals. All hospitals should implement the coding in three months. Directions were also given to issue guidelines for local self-government institutions (LSGIs) as part of the antibiotic literacy. The LSGIs would be colour coded according to these guidelines. It was on this basis that they would have to prepare microplans to become antiobiotic smart. Antibiotics should be dispensed in blue covers to make their identification easier. All hospitals, medical stores, and pharmacies should implement this. Steps had also been taken to make more hospitals antibiotic smart. Activities would be strengthened in the private sector with the support of organisations such as Indian Medical Association, Association of Physicians of India, and the Indian Academy of Paediatrics. Antibiotic literate The Minister said the State was aiming at becoming antibiotic literate by December. She directed that the first district-level antibiogram in the country, brought out by Ernakulam, would be brought out in other districts too in phases. nPROUD (New Program for the Removal of Unused Drugs) launched in Kozhikode for collecting unused and expired drugs and disposing of them scientifically would be expanded across the State.
