With microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi beginning to resist the effects of medicines that were once used to treat them, India faces a formidable antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge today. Experts warn of an alarming situation. Dr Honey Savla, Internal Medicine Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, highlights a “surge in antibiotic-resistant microbes noted in various ICU patients in the country”, a number that’s increasing by roughly 30 percent due to factors like “indiscriminate use of antibiotics, poor de-escalation, wrong durations, dose and frequency.”
Stating that the AMR problem in India is serious, with several challenging factors contributing to the burden, Dr Camilla Rodrigues, Consultant Microbiologist and Chairperson - Infection Control Committee, PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC, says, “The most impacted patients are those in hospitals, particularly the seriously ill in ICUs, adults with co-morbidities such as diabetes, COPD, and CLD, and the immunocompromised (e.g., cancer chemotherapy, transplant patients).”
The uncontrolled use of antibiotics has severe consequences. Dr Rahul Pandit, Chair of the Intensive Care Unit at Sir HN Reliance Hospital, Mumbai, points to the gravity of the issue: "Around 60-70 percent of urinary tract infections which present at the hospital and are complicated, are actually caused by organisms which are resistant." This "community-acquired resistance" translates to critically ill patients arriving at hospitals already infected with resistant strains.
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics, poor de-escalation, wrong durations, dose and frequency are causing a surge in antibiotic resistant microbes in India.
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Healthcare Radius.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 2024 edition of Healthcare Radius.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ADDRESSING INDIA'S RURAL CARE GAP
Lakhs of rural Indians lack access to healthcare services. Learn the ways India can improve healthcare accessibility in its rural areas.
iMeUsWe unveils at-home DNA testing services
iMeUsWe and MapMyGenome's at-home DNA testing to offer health and ancestry insights.
CAR T-CELL THERAPY: A PROMISING CANCER TREATMENT ADVANCEMENT
Employing genetically modified immune cells to attack tumors, CAR T-cell therapy offers new hope for cancer patients.
LEADING WITH INNOVATION
\"Every regional market presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities,\" said Ms Zahabiya Khorakiwala, Managing Director, Wockhardt Hospitals Group, during Healthcare Radius Leadership Vidcast.
OVERCOMING INDIA'S AMR CHALLENGE
India faces a growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Experts warn of superbugs and ineffective treatments. Is there hope? Read on to find out.
SOCC launches online second opinion for pediatric care
SOCC’s online second opinion consultations for pediatric care aims to bridge the gap in pediatric healthcare services in India.
Clove Dental opens 12 clinics in a single day
Clove Dental marks its 13th anniversary with nationwide expansion. Get full details.
BM Birla Heart Hospital launches cardiac care program
BM Birla Heart Hospital partners with Dozee for Al-powered cardiac care program.
PD Hinduja Hospital goes digital for infection control
Ropes in Ibhar Technologies for infection control, patient safety, and auditing automation.
Maruti Suzuki marks one year of cardiac care in rural Gujarat
Maruti Suzuki celebrates one year of providing advanced cardiac care in rural Gujarat.