Overuse of antibiotics in India fuels growing antimicrobial resistance crisis
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The overprescription and misuse of antibiotics in India are significantly contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Several health experts warned the same at the 15th annual conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS) in Mumbai. The conference called for urgent and coordinated action, including improved infection control, stewardship programs, and reforms in medical education.
According to specialists, a large proportion of antibiotic prescriptions in India are unnecessary and often prolonged, creating pressure that accelerates resistance. Experts emphasised that responsible and rational use of antibiotics can greatly reduce this problem, particularly in settings where infections are already difficult to treat by the time patients reach advanced care centers.
The need for stewardship initiatives was highlighted as essential at all levels of healthcare, from large hospitals to smaller clinics. Simple infection control practices such as hand hygiene also remain crucial in preventing the spread of resistant infections. Experts urged the public to refrain from demanding antibiotics from healthcare providers and pharmacists unnecessarily, as such practices further intensify resistance.
AMR-related complications are already widespread, with resistance to critical antibiotics affecting 60–70% of cases in severe infections like sepsis. Tuberculosis, as well as tropical diseases like dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis, are becoming harder to treat due to resistance. Effective antibiotic use, guided by treatment protocols and clinical guidelines, is necessary to curb the trend.
Additionally, improving sanitation and public health infrastructure was identified as one of the most impactful strategies to prevent infections, alongside prudent antibiotic use. There is also a push to incorporate infection control and stewardship principles more thoroughly into medical education.
Another challenge identified is that antibiotics are often prescribed without proper diagnostic procedures, mainly because they are cheaper and easier to administer than diagnostic tests. Experts urged greater awareness among healthcare providers and the public about responsible prescription practices.
If unchecked, AMR is expected to lead to as many as 10 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050.