Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala′s government has decided to cancel the licenses of pharmacies selling antibiotics without a doctor′s prescription. This significant step was taken to limit the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials, which are major contributors to the development of drug-resistant pathogens.

Additionally, the government announced several steps to make all primary health centers "antibiotic smart" primary health centers as part of strengthening its anti-microbial resistance (AMR) activities in the southern state.

The decision was taken at the annual review meeting of KARSAP (the Kerala Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan), chaired by Dr. Veena George, Health Minister. 

In a statement on Wednesday, she pointed out that the purchase of antibiotics from pharmacies without a doctor′s prescription is a major reason for the increase in antibiotic resistance. 

(Source: https://english.varthabharati.in/india/amr-action-kerala-to-cancel-licences-of-pharmacies-selling-antibiotics-without-prescription )