3 days Ago
Listen to Story Most people in Mumbai hardly consult a doctor before buying an antibiotic, according to a recent survey by Fortis Hospitals. The month-long survey conducted on 4,511 people found that misuse of antibiotics remained high in the city leading to an increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant public health concern in India . Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria learn to fight off the medicines that were initially designed to kill them.
This makes infections harder to treat and can spread dangerous germs. Overusing or misusing antibiotics , like not finishing a prescription, gives bacteria more chances to adapt and become stronger, reducing the medicine's effectiveness. The doctors noted that AMR is being driven by widespread self-medication and improper antibiotic use.
Through the survey, they aimed to uncover critical gaps in how residents understand and use antibiotics. The survey, which included respondents aged between 26 and 50 years, with 1,157 men and 1,285 women, revealed several concerning trends: Dr S Narayani, Business Head at Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, said that self-medication based on limited knowledge is fuelling AMR and there needs to be awareness about judicious antibiotic use. The experts also stressed the consequences of misuse.
Dr Anita Mathew, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Mulund, explained that antibiotics are ineffective against viral illnesses like the flu, which resolve on their own. "Antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They need to be tailored based on the infection site and the bacteria we suspect.
For conditions like the flu, which is caused by a virus and not bacteria, antibiotics are not effective. Since flu is self-limiting, it typically resolves on its own without the need for antibiotics," said Dr Mathew. She urged patients to avoid over-the-counter antibiotics and rely on professional advice.
Dr Kirti Sabnis, an Infectious Disease Specialist at Fortis Kalyan, warned of the growing threat of AMR, stating, "Stopping antibiotics prematurely or using them unnecessarily leads to resistant bacteria , making future infections harder to treat." "People need to be aware that vaccinations are not just for children, but also for adults, especially those with comorbidities like Diabetes, Obesity, Liver disease, or autoimmune disorders, for which they might be on steroids One must follow their doctor's vaccination recommendations to help prevent recurrent infections due to low immunity," added Dr Sabnis. While the survey serves as a wake-up call for people in Mumbai, the problem persists across the country, needing immediate awareness.
At a recent global conference on antimicrobial resistance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Singh Patel, highlighted India's "One Health" approach in addressing AMR in the country. This means collaboration across human, animal, plant health, and environmental sectors to combat AMR..
