Stop the pill-popping, it helps superbugs

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) - resulting from overuse and misuse of antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and anti-parasitics - has been building up as a public health crisis. India's a global hotspot. Last month, the UN recognised AMR - the development of bacteria to resist treatment - as an urgent 'global health threat and developmental challenge'. Unchecked, AMR is projected to impact as many as 2 mn Indians by 2050. As a public health issue, it has been on GoI's radar since 2017. But the pandemic has derailed some of the efforts and gains.

GoI has focused on pharmacovigilance - monitoring of the frequency of adverse events that may be a consequence of prescription drug use. National Action Plan on AMR prioritises education, training, surveillance and improved infection control. Training and vigilance are particularly important to create awareness among doctors of the range of appropriate pharmacological options available to treat ailments. Prescribing antibiotics for viral infections is all too common a practice in India.

The most effective measure to tackle AMR, however, is improving access to affordable and reliable healthcare. Accessible local medicine shops serve as both doctor and pharmacy for most people. Most of these are not manned by trained pharmacists, and doling out drugs without a prescription is common. A stronger regulatory regime and robust compliance structure, along with changes in medical training to check over-prescription, are essential. Many experts advocate for a more expansive solution, based on preventing treatable infections through improved sanitation, higher vaccination rates and increased access to anti-infective drugs. Sustainable health requires a focused, yet 360°, approach.