In the 7th World One Health Congress held in Singapore, Tamil Nadu Health Minister, Mr. Ma. Subramanian, stated that antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a major public health hazard. At the conference, he stressed the need to frame guidelines for managing antibiotic use, including limiting over-the-counter use of antibiotics, restricting the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock, and implementing pharmacovigilance.

Mr. Ma stated that irrational prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor regulations around the sale of antibiotics, self-medication, a lack of education, and a lack of awareness regarding the irresponsible use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria and pan-drug-resistant bacteria across the world. This has resulted in an increase in the number of people suffering from prolonged illness and an increased mortality rate as infections caused by resistant microbes fail to respond to treatment.

Therefore, he stressed the need to educate doctors, patients, and the public on proper drug selection, safety testing, the duration of therapy, and vaccination, along with comprehensive infection control programs at medical institutions.

Mr. Ma further stated that to manage the current situation, an effective global strategy and awareness at all levels are needed, which can be achieved by evolving a mechanism for cooperation at the regional, national, and international levels to predict, monitor, alert, and manage the scenario.

(Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/health-minister-stresses-on-guidelines-on-antibiotic-usage/article66111729.ece )