DELHI: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has warned that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics are leading to growing antibiotic resistance, making infections harder to treat and necessitating stronger medications. The findings were part of the ICMR’s Annual Report, 2023 on Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), in response to a question in the Lok Sabha by Giridhari Yadav, acknowledged the severity of the issue and highlighted that continuous surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programmes are essential to combat antibiotic resistance. The government has cited the importance of routine susceptibility testing and the development of new therapeutics as part of its strategy to maintain the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
According to the MoHFW, failure to implement strict policies on antibiotic usage and disposal could result in as many as one crore deaths annually by 2050. The government has already taken several steps to regulate antibiotic prescription and sale. The Red Line Awareness campaign, aimed at discouraging self-medication with antibiotics marked with a red vertical line, is one such initiative. Besides, antibiotics have been placed under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, restricting their sale without a doctor’s prescription.
To promote responsible antibiotic use, the government has also issued National Treatment Guidelines to ensure judicious use of antibiotics in healthcare settings. The Infection Prevention and Control guidelines have been developed to reduce hospital-acquired infections, thereby decreasing the need for antibiotic prescriptions.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) continues to regulate the safety, efficacy, and quality of medicines under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. While the government has not yet implemented a complete ban on unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, ongoing policy discussions indicate that stricter measures may be introduced in the near future.
With growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, health experts emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach, including public awareness, enhanced regulatory frameworks, and investments in alternative treatments. The government’s continued efforts will be crucial in tackling this silent but deadly health crisis.
