PM Modi sounds alarm: Self-medication with antibiotics breeds drug resistance, threatens lives

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): It is often seen that as soon as people have a mild cough, cold or body ache, they buy medicine from the medical store and consume it without consulting a doctor. If you too have been doing this for years, then be careful now because this habit is becoming a serious threat to your health. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern on this issue in his 'Mann Ki Baat' program. The PM has appealed to the countrymen to use antibiotics judiciously, because their misuse is making treatment difficult in the future.

Antibiotic resistance is increasing due to viral medicine

A recent study by ICMR has also warned that unnecessary use of antibiotics is rapidly increasing the risk of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in the country. According to medical science, antibiotics work only for bacterial infections, but due to lack of information, people are consuming them indiscriminately even for viral fever, flu and common cold. Dr. Jugal Kishore of Safdarjung Hospital explains that when we take medicines without need, the bacteria present in the body get used to these medicines and develop their resistance. As a result, when these medicines are really needed, they stop working on the patient.

WHO calls it a 'silent pandemic', even pneumonia drugs are failing

Dr. Ajit Kumar of Delhi's GTB Hospital described the situation as serious, saying that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a "silent pandemic." He expressed concern that the easy availability of antibiotics without prescriptions at medical stores is further exacerbating the problem. The situation has become such that even medications used to treat everything from common urinary tract infections (UTIs) to pneumonia are proving ineffective for patients. Dr. Kumar says that PM Modi's raising this issue is crucial, because if this situation continues, even common illnesses could prove fatal in the coming years.

Don't become a doctor yourself, it is important to complete the course

Health experts have clarified that antibiotics are needed only for serious conditions like pneumonia, typhoid, UTI, and tuberculosis, and that too on a doctor's advice. Doctors advise the general public not to take medications like azithromycin for viral infections like the common cold, as these viral infections clear up on their own within three to four days. Furthermore, if your doctor prescribes medication, complete the full course. Avoid overdoses, reduce dosages, or reuse leftover medications.