Lancet Flags India's Mismanagement of Antibiotic Consumption

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A Lancet study reveals India's mismanagement of antibiotic consumption fuels Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), with skewed use of 'Watch' drugs and underuse of 'Access' antibiotics.
India faces a double burden: overuse in some areas and lack of access to essential antibiotics for millions, exacerbated by poor diagnostic evidence in prescriptions.
Contributing factors to AMR include weak infection control, environmental discharge of unmetabolized antibiotics, and lack of awareness, addressed by campaigns and national action plans.

Lancet Public Health Study highlighted India's Mismanagement of Antibiotic Consumption is fueling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AMR happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them.

Key Findings for India

Skewed Consumption: Dominated by 'Watch' drugs with underuse of 'Access' (account 27% of use vs. 52.3% recommended) and 'Reserve' antibiotics.
Double Burden: While many regions suffer from overuse, millions of people in lower-income category still lack access to essential antibiotics they need, creating a dangerous gap in care.
Lack of Diagnostic Evidence: Only 6% of antibiotic prescriptions in India are based on microbiological evidence ; most are prescribed without identifying the specific bacteria

Poor infection prevention and control practices in healthcare settings
Effluents discharge from hospitals, industries etc.:40-90% of administered antibiotics are excreted unmetabolized in urine and faeces reaching the environment
Lack of awareness about the usage etc.

Red Line awareness campaign: Urging not to use red vertical line marked medicines, including antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription.
National Action Plan on AMR, 2017: Focuses on One Health approach to tackle AMR.
Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945: Antibiotics in Schedule H1 are to be sold only under the prescription.

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