Water and soil contamination: AMR can disrupt ecosystems across environments.
Environmental reservoirs: Resistant bacteria can serve as reservoirs for further spread.
Surgical procedures: Post-operative infections become harder to treat, increasing morbidity and mortality.
Cancer treatment: AMR can worsen the outcome of patients undergoing cancer treatments, as such individuals are more susceptible to infections.
Childbirth: AMR can worsen the outcome of otherwise common infections that occur during childbirth.
Organ transplant: As transplantation involves use of immunosuppressives, antibiotics are vital to prevent post-transplant infections.
Livestock and aquaculture: Infections become harder to treat, leading to increased illness and death.
Food Security: AMR infections in livestock, fish, etc. can lead to reduced food supply.
Reduced productivity of humans and animals: Infections can lead to lower output and loss in various sectors of the economy.
Increased healthcare and veterinary costs: Treating AMR infections requires more resources and takes longer.
Trade impacts: Restrictions may apply for trade with regions with high AMR prevalence.
AMR affects nearly every aspect of modern medicine, having a strong impact on the outcomes of simple illnesses and procedures. Furthermore, it can also profoundly affect animal health, the environment, and the economy!
Water and soil contamination: AMR can disrupt ecosystems across environments.
Environmental reservoirs: Resistant bacteria can serve as reservoirs for further spread.
Surgical procedures: Post-operative infections become harder to treat, increasing morbidity and mortality.
Cancer treatment: AMR can worsen the outcome of patients undergoing cancer treatments, as such individuals are more susceptible to infections.
Childbirth: AMR can worsen the outcome of otherwise common infections that occur during childbirth.
Organ transplant: As transplantation involves use of immunosuppressives, antibiotics are vital to prevent post-transplant infections.
Livestock and aquaculture: Infections become harder to treat, leading to increased illness and death.
Food Security: AMR infections in livestock, fish, etc. can lead to reduced food supply.
Reduced productivity of humans and animals: Infections can lead to lower output and loss in various sectors of the economy.
Increased healthcare and veterinary costs: Treating AMR infections requires more resources and takes longer.
Trade impacts: Restrictions may apply for trade with regions with high AMR prevalence.
Estimated annual global economic burden in USD by 2050 owing to AMR
SourceTons of global pharmaceuticals (including antibiotics) produced in India annually, creating massive antibiotic-laden waste
SourceDeaths caused by AMR in India alone in 2019
SourceDeaths directly and indirectly linked to AMR in India in 2019
SourceDrug-resistant TB cases in India in 2022
SourceGlobal deaths caused directly by AMR in 2021
SourceGlobal deaths directly and indirectly linked to AMR in 2021
Source
Use narrow-spectrum antibiotics when possible.
Use standard clinical guidelines (ICMR/WHO) to prescribe antibiotics.
De-escalate (discontinue/ change the antibiotic or reduce dosage) as necessary.
Be “AWaRe” of antibiotic classification (see below).
Educate patients on when antibiotics are necessary (e.g.serious bacterial infections such as sepsis, strep throat, etc.) and when they are not (e.g., viral infections).
Stress on the importance of finishing the course and not sharing the antibiotics with others.
Ensure prescriptions are clear and easy to read.
Encourage microbiological or other relevant tests to confirm the cause of infections before prescribing antibiotics.
Maintain hand hygiene.
Follow hospital hygiene protocols.
Vaccinate staff and patients as necessary.
Participate in antibiotic stewardship programs and contribute to AMR data collection and reporting.
Pharmacists form a crucial link between doctors and patients. They are also often more accessible than doctors. Hence, they play a critical role in promoting rational antibiotic use and preventing AMR.
Sell antibiotics only when there is a valid prescription.
Guide patients on correct usage: tell them the right dosage; give them storage and disposal instructions; and educate them on potential side effects, drug interactions, and necessary dietary precautions. Additionally, emphasise on the importance of completing the full course, the dangers of self-medication, and the problems with sharing antibiotics.
Withhold dispensing if prescription issues are identified—such as errors, inappropriate combinations, or incorrect dosages. In such cases, direct the patient to seek confirmation from the doctor.
Monitor prescription patterns and ensure compliance with quality guidelines.
Healthcare providers are on the frontline of the battle against AMR and play an important role in slowing its spread.
Through informed evidence-based clinical practices and patient engagement, you have the power to protect our most vulnerable patients and preserve the power of antibiotics for future generations.
