Consumption of antibiotics is ever-increasing. Before bacteria win the battle and currently treatable infections become fatal, doctors, patients, and governments need to take responsibility to ensure that antibiotics are used far more rationally.Discovery of new antibiotics is a necessary but not sufficient solution because of the high cost and lengthy timelines. Thus, action to control prescription practices should be a key feature of intervention strategies.
Inappropriate prescription is a greater problem in countries undergoing rapid economic expansion. Over-the-counter and incentive-driven prescriptions have elevated antibiotic consumption. In low-income countries, antibiotics are given as a substitute for provision of clean water and safe waste disposal. Policy makers and healthcare professionals have a great responsibility to explore possibilities to fight drug resistance. There should be strict restriction on the sale of Over-the-counter drugs. Monitoring and Audit of prescriptions by professional and regulatory authorities needs serious consideration.
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