Modi bats for judicious use of antibiotics

In his radio address “Mann Ki Baat” on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the menace of antibiotic resistance (ABR) and the urgent need to tackle it.

During the programme, the PM said that unnecessary consumption of antibiotics was adding on to the problem of ABR. Explaining how overuse and underuse of antibiotics on a regular basis makes microbes stronger, Modi urged people not to resort to antibiotics for quick relief without prescriptions.

PM’s warning

The PM added that self-medication should be avoided when it comes to antibiotics. He also touched on the necessity to complete a course on antibiotics as advised by doctors and pay attention to the Red Line campaign initiated by the health ministry to tackle ABR.

ABR is a critical global health issue which needs urgent attention. Addressing ABR is vital to India as the country has a high rate of infectious diseases due to unsanitary conditions, limited focus on infection prevention and control and inadequate healthcare system.

Delhi-based non-profit Centre for Science and Environment has appreciated the PM’s move in addressing masses on ABR at the national level.

Amit Khurana, programme manager, Food Safety Programme at CSE, said, “The issue is of antimicrobial resistance getting due attention. Besides addressing the human side of the problem, we should also focus on (the) other part of the problem: controlling overuse of antibiotics in animals reared for food such as poultry (and) fish.”

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