A recent study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases has revealed a shocking reality — in 2019, only 8% of bacterial infections in India were treated with the right antibiotics. The study highlights the antibiotic treatment gap and raises urgent concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country.
🦠 What the Study Found
Conducted by researchers from the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) and other institutions, the study analyzed data from eight low- and middle-income countries, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Mexico.
📌 Key findings:
- India accounted for over 10 lakh of the 15 lakh bacterial infections studied.
- Only 7.8% of these infections were treated correctly.
- Carbapenems, a last-resort antibiotic used in hospitals, were found to be ineffective in many cases due to resistance.
- Tigecycline was the most-procured antibiotic across the countries.
- The study used data from 1990 to 2021 and combined results from the GRAM study and IQVIA, a US-based healthcare database.
⚠️ Why This Is a Major Concern
Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria stop responding to the medicines used to kill them. This leads to longer illnesses, more hospital stays, and higher death rates. A 2024 study in The Lancet warned that 39 million people could die from drug-resistant infections in the next 25 years, with South Asia at the highest risk.
🧠 What Doctors Should Know
Doctors and healthcare professionals should equip themselves to stay informed and lead the change. This study is a wake-up call to:
- Improve antibiotic prescribing practices
- Promote rational drug use in hospitals and clinics
- Educate patients about responsible antibiotic usage
- Support public health policies focused on AMR surveillance and stewardship
🌍 The Bigger Picture
The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for action at both the national and global levels. Without proper antibiotics:
- Routine surgeries become riskier
- Minor infections can become deadly
- Healthcare costs increase dramatically
India must strengthen its AMR policies, invest in research, and ensure better access to appropriate antibiotics for those who need them most.
📣 Final Thoughts
Antibiotic resistance is not just a medical issue—it’s a public health emergency. Doctors, hospitals, and policymakers must work together to close the treatment gap and protect the future of healthcare.
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