Drugs, Bugs, and Pandemic: an Indian scenario
How has the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the overuse of antibiotics in India?
The COVID-19 outbreak has had far-reaching consequences on our lives. One of the less-discussed yet significant problems exacerbated by the current pandemic is the potential for antibiotic resistance fuelled by the overuse of powerful antibiotics in treating suspected bacterial illnesses in COVID-19 patients. In his Nobel Prize presentation in 1945, Alexander Fleming stated, "The time may come when everybody can buy penicillin in the stores." There is a risk that the uneducated guy would underdose himself and make his microorganisms resistant to the medicine by exposing them to non-lethal doses. "
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the daily consumption of numerous antibiotics and tablets like paracetamol or DOLO-650, making them Indians' favorite snacks. According to research performed by Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, Antibiotic sales soared during India's first wave of coronavirus. Patients in India, even those with moderate cases of COVID-19, have been given strong antibiotics like azithromycin and doxycycline as part of their therapy, despite clinical trials showing that these antibiotics are ineffective in treating the disease. Early warning signals of developing microbe resistance were described in a study published on May 24 in the journal Infection and Drug Resistance by Indian scientists and clinicians. From June 1 to August 30, 2020, data from 17,534 Covid-19 patients admitted to ten hospitals within the antimicrobial monitoring network of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was evaluated.
Is this a new problem for India?
Prior to the pandemic, India had a problem with excessive antibiotic use, which contributed to the rise of drug-resistant superbugs. According to the State of the World's Antibiotics 2021 study, between 2010 and 2020, the number of antibiotics used per person in India went up by 30%.
Antibiotic resistance is a global problem. However, India is the epicenter of this disaster. The country is plagued by easy access to the most potent antibiotics without prescriptions or diagnoses; even qualified doctors, not just quacks, prescribe drugs without much thought; hospitals' overuse or abuse of antibiotics has resulted in superbug colonies; excessive antibiotic use on livestock; and poor sanitation. These things have made it easy for these super-resistant germs to spread and cause health problems.
Self-medication is a massive problem in India. Surprisingly, 52% of Indians self-medicate, mainly because the public health sector is less funded by the Indian government. The cost of healthcare in India is increasing, and it is highly capitalized. Another main reason for self-medication is the easy availability of antibiotics to doctors, medical outlets, and patients. It is a profitable and cost-effective source for many pharmaceutical companies, and compromising the production of already existing antibiotics will result in a massive loss in profits.
What can I do to reduce antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance can be avoided by carefully administering antibiotics. Use them only if it is absolutely essential. Here are some ideas for how you may help: Antibiotics should not be used to treat a virus. Antibiotics should be taken exactly as directed. Do not skip any doses. Even if you are feeling better, finish the entire course of treatment. Never take an antibiotic that has been prescribed for another person.
Healthcare providers can also aid by only administering antibiotics when they are absolutely necessary. Getting the drug to the specific germs as quickly as possible is crucial. Only prescribing medications for as long as they are required. Other public health interventions can also aid in the reduction of resistance. This involves reducing antibiotic use in livestock.
Antibiotic resistance will be the following enormous pandemic humanity will face shortly if we do not stop heavily relying on antibiotics. Shear negligence can be a lethal call for a big disaster.
References
https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/coping-with-loss-and-grief-during-covid-19.html
https://www.ifpri.org/landing/covid-19-blog-landing-page
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3yVery true Vijay