Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message regarding the wrongful use of antibiotics is timely and highlights the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a significant health concern, according to health experts on Monday.

During his latest ‘Mann Ki Baat’ session on Sunday, PM Modi cautioned against the misuse of antibiotics and emphasized the increasing levels of AMR in the nation.

He referenced a recent concerning report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which indicated that antibiotics are becoming less effective against diseases such as pneumonia and UTIs in India.

Describing it as “extremely worrying,” he urged the public to avoid the casual use of antibiotics.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in Mann Ki Baat, has highlighted a crucial issue, namely antimicrobial resistance,” stated Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR.

“Antimicrobial resistance means that the bacteria responsible for infections like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or sepsis are now showing resistance to the antibiotics we normally use to treat them. We previously believed that antibiotics could effectively treat any infection, but the bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant,” he explained.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, former President of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell in Kerala, labeled AMR as a serious and silent threat to our healthcare system.

“It presents a frightening situation in which antibiotics become ineffective against bacteria. This is particularly critical given that no new antibiotics are being introduced to our treatment options. Since AMR does not exhibit obvious symptoms like pain or cough, most people remain unaware of it. The Prime Minister’s remarks are essential for bringing it to national awareness,” he mentioned.

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that approximately one in three bacterial infections in India were resistant to commonly used antibiotics in 2023, while globally, it was one in six confirmed infections.

Data from national AMR surveillance also reveal concerning resistance trends in pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Another recent study, published in the Lancet eClinical Medicine journal, warned that India is at the center of a superbug crisis, as several patients in the country were found to harbor multiple highly resistant organisms simultaneously.

It found that over 80 percent of Indian patients carry multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs)—the highest rate globally.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement encouraging citizens to refrain from self-medication and to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a physician is a timely and impactful public-health initiative. He has brought national attention to AMR—a quiet yet catastrophic epidemic that India cannot overlook,” Dr. Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor in the Department of Medicine at AIIMS, Delhi, remarked.

The expert elaborated that AMR does not necessitate new germs; it flourishes due to poor practices such as over-the-counter availability, incomplete treatment courses, unnecessary prescriptions, and the use of antibiotics for viral infections.

“If we treat antibiotics as a quick fix, the long-term cost will be resistance, measured in lives lost. Today’s misuse of antibiotics translates into untreatable infections in the future, putting our country at a pivotal juncture. Every unnecessary prescription contributes to a scenario where what were once easy-to-treat infections, routine surgical procedures, childbirth, and cancer treatment become considerably riskier,” Nischal noted.

Significantly, Jayadevan cautioned that the public should not assume that all instances of fever or cold require antibiotics.

The experts emphasized that individuals should avoid self-medicating and using antibiotics as they would paracetamol or pain relievers. They firmly suggest that antibiotics be utilized strictly under a physician’s guidance.

When doctors prescribe antibiotics, it is vital for individuals to complete the entire course as directed.

“Physicians should follow evidence-based guidelines for prescribing and stewardship, and pharmacists need to ensure that prescription-only regulations are upheld. Government regulation is crucial, especially with the rise of quick-commerce services that facilitate immediate antibiotic distribution, often accompanied by poorly created prescriptions,” Nischal commented, emphasizing that addressing AMR demands a shared commitment.