Health Ministry asks doctors to ‘mandatorily’ mention reason behind prescribing antibiotics: Report

 Written By: Sneha Kumari

Source: https://www.news9live.com/health/health-news

According to the report, the government has urged medical professionals to avoid prescribing antibiotics and "mandatorily mention" the reason or a justification while prescribing them. 

The government appealed to all medical professionals and doctors to ensure the effective implementation of orders to discourage the over prescription of antibiotics.

During winters, cold, cough and viral fever see a significant rise. Many people are experiencing this stubborn and persistent fever for days which has led to an increased use of antibiotics. Experts have noted that one of the potential culprits behind the rise in viral infections is easy access to antibiotics. Well, amid this the government has urged medical professionals to avoid prescribing antibiotics and “mandatorily mention” the reason or a justification while prescribing them.

A letter has been issued to all doctors in medical colleges where Dr Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services has asked them to “mandatorily mention the exact reason or justification while prescribing antimicrobials”, as per a report released by CNBC-TV18.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a step has been taken towards curbing the over-prescription of antibiotics, which leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR is considered to be the top ten public health threats in the world. The report further noted that the government also needs to remind pharmacists to implement Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and sell antibiotics only on valid prescriptions. Doctors must mention the exact reason behind prescribing the antimicrobials.

What are the threats to antimicrobial resistance?

The government appealed to all medical professionals and doctors to ensure the effective implementation of orders to discourage the overprescription of antibiotics. The letter noted that the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are one of the major driving forces behind the growth of drug-resistant pathogens. According to estimation, bacterial AMR was directly related to 1.27 million global deaths in 2019 and 4.95 million deaths were entirely related to drug-resistant infections

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR is listed among the top 10 global health issues around the world. Antimicrobial resistance threatens human lives, animal health and welfare, the environment, food and nutrition security and safety.