Health Ministry Urges Doctors to Specify Reasons for Antibiotic Prescriptions in Effort to Combat Overuse

In a crucial move to curb the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, the Indian government has implemented a new policy requiring doctors to provide specific reasons for prescribing antibiotics. This significant step aims to promote responsible antimicrobial use and safeguard the effectiveness of these essential medicines in the long run.

Doctors in Focus: Mandatory Justification for Every Antibiotic Prescription

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, issued a letter directed to medical colleges across the country. The letter emphasizes the mandatory mention of "indication/reason/justification" on every antibiotic prescription. This directive extends beyond doctors, also reminding pharmacists to strictly adhere to drug regulations (Schedule H and H1) and dispense antibiotics only with valid prescriptions.

The Urgency of Responsible Antibiotic Use: A Global Public Health Threat

The government's action stems from the grave concern surrounding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a rapidly growing global public health threat. According to the letter, AMR was responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019, with an additional 4.95 million deaths linked to drug-resistant infections.

The Risks of Overuse: Compromised Healthcare and Human Lives at Stake

The letter starkly outlines the consequences of antibiotic misuse and overuse. AMR jeopardizes the efficacy of countless medical procedures, threatening the successful prevention and treatment of infections once easily controlled. This can lead to:

• Prolonged illness and increased risk of death: Drug-resistant infections take longer to treat and pose a higher mortality risk.

• Longer periods of infectivity: Individuals harboring resistant bacteria remain contagious for extended periods, potentially putting others at risk.

• Prohibitively high costs: Treating resistant infections often requires second-line drugs, which can be significantly more expensive and inaccessible to many.

Medical Colleges: Shaping the Future of Antibiotic Use

Recognizing the crucial role of medical institutions in shaping future healthcare practices, Dr. Goel's letter specifically targets medical colleges. These institutions not only provide tertiary healthcare but also serve as the breeding ground for the next generation of doctors. By mandating responsible antibiotic use within these establishments, the government aims to create a ripple effect, fostering a culture of judicious antimicrobial prescribing throughout the medical community.

Dr. Atul Goel's Appeal to Medical Professionals

Dr. Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services, has appealed to all doctors in medical colleges to adhere to the directive. In a letter, he emphasizes the need to "mandatorily mention the exact indication/reason/justification while prescribing antimicrobials." This call for responsible prescribing extends to pharmacists, with a reminder to implement Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

A Crucial Step Forward: Responsible Antibiotic Use for a Safer Future

The government's new policy marks a significant step towards addressing the critical issue of antibiotic resistance. By requiring justification for every antibiotic prescription, the initiative promotes responsible prescribing practices and encourages a shift towards more conservative use of these vital medications.

The Health Ministry takes a decisive step to address antibiotic over-prescription, instructing doctors to explicitly state reasons for prescribing antibiotics.

This effort, coupled with ongoing research and development of new antibiotics, holds the key to preserving the effectiveness of these life-saving drugs for generations to come.