In a bold bid to contain the emerging menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kerala government suspended 450 pharmacy licenses
and revoked five permanently. The measure is as per the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) to contain misuse and abuse of antibiotics in Kerala.
Understanding the Gravity of Antibiotic Misuse
Antibiotics are a mainstay of modern medicine, effectively eradicating infections caused by bacteria. Their excessive use and inappropriate use have established resistant bacteria that make traditional drugs ineffective. Not only does this undermine patient treatment on an individual level but is also a severe public health risk.
Sale of antibiotics without prescription indiscriminately has been one of the main reasons in Kerala. To achieve this, the state has implemented stringent measures to regulate the sale and availability of these vital medicines.
Key Measures Implemented by Kerala
Strict Enforcement of Prescription Regulations: The government has instructed that the antibiotics must not be sold unless on a physician’s prescription. This instruction has been implemented nearly throughout the whole state.
Suspension and Cancellation of Licenses: Those pharmacies that have been found to have disobeyed the prescription order have been dealt with very harshly, including suspension and revocation of license.
Reduction in Antibiotic Usage:These initiatives have resulted in reducing the use of antibiotics by 20-30%, and there has been a trend towards prescribing less potent antibiotics, which minimizes the possibility of resistance.
Monitoring Antibiotic Residues in Food: The government has stepped up screening for antibiotic residues in milk, meat, and fish with a view to restricting the use of antibiotics in the food chain.
Antibiotic-Smart Hospitals: Systems of color coding will be brought in to inform proper use of antibiotics in hospitals, and a tight deadline of three months to implement.
Implications for the Rest of India
Kerala’s initiative is something other states with the issue of antibiotic misuse can follow. The holistic strategy of the state—going from regulation to education and surveillance—is proof that concerted efforts can combat the AMR threat effectively.
The rest of the world can follow Kerala’s example, taking the same step in its own context. With prioritization of the application of antibiotics and investment in public health infrastructure, India can fight unitedly against increasing antimicrobial resistance.
Conclusion
Kerala’s move against antibiotic abuse highlights the need for stringent controls, education, and vigilant monitoring in maintaining the effectiveness of antibiotics. As long as AMR remains an international health threat, such draconian action is needed in the protection of public health and maintaining the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.
Leave a Reply