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Journalism of Courage
As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a pressing public health concern across the globe, experts warn that overuse and misuse of antibiotics are worsening the crisis in India. At the 15th annual conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDS), held from September 11-14, at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai, specialists called for a multi-faceted approach to curb resistance, including stronger infection control, stewardship programmes, and curriculum upgrades in medical education.
Speaking at the conference, Dr George Varghese, infectious diseases specialist, CMC Vellore, said, “We clearly have a long way to go in terms of infection control. Most of the antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary, and that too for a long duration. This antibiotic pressure makes them resistant. Judicious use of antibiotics makes a lot of difference.”
Highlighting the need for stewardship at all levels, Dr Rajeev Soman, scientific chairperson, CIDS, said, “AMR should be discussed in large and small hospitals through stewardship programs. Even infection control practices such as handwashing have to be followed diligently.”
“The general public should not insist on antibiotics when speaking with doctors and pharmacists. Resistance is at a high level in India, and by the time the patient is admitted to a multi-speciality hospital for an infection, they are already resistant,” added Dr Soman, who is an infectious diseases specialist at Jupiter Hospitals, Mumbai and Pune.
According to Dr Vasant Nagwekar, Secretary, CIDS, 60–70 per cent of resistance to third-generation sepsis occurs in India. “For combating AMR, we need an antibiotic stewardship program. Tuberculosis remains a problem, and even tropical infections like dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis are becoming difficult to treat every year. Where antibiotics are needed, they should be rationalised as per protocol and guidelines,” he said.
Experts also underscored the importance of strengthening India’s medical system. Dr Subramanian, vice president, CIDS, said, “This is a complicated problem of AMR that cannot be fixed with one intervention and needs a multi-faceted approach. The most effective answer to reducing infection-related deaths is not just antibiotics or vaccines; it is sanitation. The government is now looking into more integration of infection control in the medical curriculum.”
Dr Kamini Walia, senior scientist, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), stressed awareness and accountability in prescription practices. “Since antibiotics are cheaper than diagnostics, doctors often prescribe them without following proper diagnostic rules. This calls for more education, awareness, and sensitisation, both among the public and physicians on responsible antibiotic use,” she said.
AMR is projected to cause 10 million deaths per year globally by 2050. Experts at the conference warned that unless urgent measures are adopted, including strict infection control protocols and public sensitisation, the burden on India’s healthcare system will continue to rise.
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