More

    It is now Mandatory for Doctors in India to Mention Reasons For Prescribing Antibiotics

    HealthHealth PolicyIt is now Mandatory for Doctors in India to...
    - Advertisment -

    It is now Mandatory for Doctors in India to Mention Reasons For Prescribing Antibiotics

    This important instruction is contained in DGHS’ latest letter to medical colleges, medical associations, and pharmacist associations across the country.

    In a bid to tackle the misuse of antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs in India, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has made it mandatory for doctors to provide “exact indications” while prescribing antibiotics or antimicrobial drugs drugs.

    This important instruction is contained in DGHS’ latest letter to medical colleges, medical associations, and pharmacist associations across the country.

    More specifically, the DGHS has mentioned that pharmacist must now onwards dispense antibiotics only on the prescription of a qualified doctor and immediately halt the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics.

    “…it is important that doctors mention exact indication on their prescriptions while prescribing antimicrobials,” the DGHS letter says, adding that “it is an urgent appeal to all doctors to mandatorily mention exact indication/reason/justification while prescribing antimicrobials.”

    - Advertisement -

    About 57 per cent of prescribed antibiotics fall into a category of drugs with a high potential for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that generally have to be monitored for misuse, according to a report released earlier this month by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    The study was conducted by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the ministry over six months from November 2021 to April 2022. The survey included 9,652 patients and 12,342 antibiotic prescriptions across 20 tertiary care institutes across the country. The sites showed a wide variation in prescription activity, ranging from 37 per cent to 100 per cent.

    The antibiotic prescriptions were classified based on AWaRe categories developed in 2017 by the World Health Organization (WHO) Expert Committee on Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

    Image: Hippopx — Creative Commons Zero-CC0

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    War, huh, Yeah, What is it Good For?

    One should, nevertheless, keep in mind that war is horrific. It is most often not the answer. When it is, it is always the very last resort after all other means to resolve adverse situations have been well and truly exhausted.

    World Bank Unveils $1 Billion Package to Spur Jobs and Private Sector Growth in Sri Lanka

    Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.

    UN Secretary-General Urges Military restraint from India, Pakistan

    He offered his good offices to both governments to help defuse tensions and promote diplomacy, stressing that “a military solution is no solution.”

    India Showcases SVAMITVA at World Bank Land Conference

    India’s interventions across these sessions aim to serve as a call to action for other nations striving to achieve SDG Target 1.4.2 which aims to ensure legal ownership and control over land for all, especially vulnerable communities.
    - Advertisement -

    WHO Warns of Deepening Health Crisis in Afghanistan as Aid Dwindles

    The decline in support follows the suspension of US assistance, which previously accounted for nearly half of the international funding directed toward Afghanistan’s healthcare.

    Clean Ganga Mission Approves Key Projects for Ganga Rejuvenation via Ecosystem Testoration

    Conservation of critical wetlands and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater through city specific reuse plans and were deliberated in the meeting.

    Must read

    War, huh, Yeah, What is it Good For?

    One should, nevertheless, keep in mind that war is horrific. It is most often not the answer. When it is, it is always the very last resort after all other means to resolve adverse situations have been well and truly exhausted.

    World Bank Unveils $1 Billion Package to Spur Jobs and Private Sector Growth in Sri Lanka

    Tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s key economic drivers, is set to receive $200 million. These funds will be used to protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage sites, create employment opportunities, and ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism revenues.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you