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Hospital Director Warns: Irresponsible Antibiotic Use Fuels Deadly Superbugs

Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director of Safdarjung Hospital, has issued a stark warning that irresponsible antibiotic use is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He explained that misuse, such as not completing courses or self-medicating, allows bacteria to become drug-resistant. This resistance is making common infections like typhoid, tuberculosis, UTIs, and pneumonia increasingly difficult to manage. Dr. Bansal urged the public to heed drug warning labels, use antibiotics only on medical advice, and maintain hygiene to combat this growing threat.

Key Points: Irresponsible Antibiotic Use Fuelling Antimicrobial Resistance: Expert

  • Misuse weakens drug effectiveness
  • Common infections becoming harder to treat
  • Follow Schedule H warning labels
  • Use antibiotics only on doctor's advice
2 min read

Irresponsible use of antibiotics fuelling Antimicrobial Resistance: Safdarjung Hospital Director

Safdarjung Hospital Director warns that misuse of antibiotics is making common infections like typhoid & TB harder to treat. Learn how to act responsibly.

"When antibiotics are used irresponsibly... the bacteria become unaffected by these drugs. - Dr. Sandeep Bansal"

Mumbai, December 29

Dr. Sandeep Bansal, Director of Safdarjung Hospital, has warned that irresponsible antibiotic use is accelerating the threat of Antimicrobial Resistance, making several common infections increasingly difficult to treat.

In a self-recorded video message released after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent Mann Ki Baat address, Dr. Bansal underscored the urgent need for public awareness and responsible behaviour.

Dr. Bansal said antibiotics have been a "powerful weapon" for medical professionals for more than 80 years, beginning with the discovery of penicillin and followed by the development of several advanced drugs. However, he cautioned that misuse of these medicines is weakening their effectiveness. "When antibiotics are used irresponsibly -- without consulting a doctor, by not completing the prescribed course, by sharing medicines, or by directly purchasing them from chemists -- the bacteria become unaffected by these drugs. This condition is known as antimicrobial resistance," he explained.

Highlighting the growing impact of AMR, Dr. Bansal noted that infections such as typhoid and tuberculosis, as well as common illnesses like urinary tract infections and pneumonia, are becoming harder to manage. "We are seeing in recent years that many infections which were earlier easy to treat are now posing serious challenges due to antimicrobial resistance," he said.

Referring to regulatory measures, Dr. Bansal pointed out that the government has introduced Schedule H, under which many antibiotics carry a red warning label. "These medicines are strong and should not be used without consulting a doctor," he said, urging people to pay attention to such warnings.

He also welcomed Prime Minister Modi's focus on the issue, saying the Prime Minister has repeatedly highlighted AMR in his Mann Ki Baat programmes. "We want to thank the Prime Minister for sharing this important information with the public," Dr. Bansal said.

Emphasising that laws alone are not sufficient, he appealed to the citizens to act responsibly by taking antibiotics only on medical advice, maintaining hygiene, and regularly washing hands. "By doing this, we can protect our people from many infectious diseases," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Completely agree. My uncle had a severe infection last year that didn't respond to multiple antibiotics. The doctors said it was due to AMR. It's scary to think common illnesses could become untreatable. We must change our habits.
A
Aman W
While the message is crucial, I wish the focus was more on systemic solutions rather than just public appeal. Chemists sell antibiotics over the counter so easily. The government needs to crack down on that first. Public awareness alone won't solve this.
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Sarah B
Good to see the PM talking about this on Mann Ki Baat. It reaches millions. Hygiene and handwashing are simple but powerful tools we often forget. Let's all be more responsible.
V
Vikram M
The part about not completing the course is so true. My father always stops his medicines as soon as he feels slightly better. I keep telling him it's harmful. We need to educate our elders especially.
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Nisha Z
This is a silent pandemic in the making. If typhoid and TB become harder to treat, it will be devastating for a country like India. Doctors also need to be careful about over-prescribing. It's a two-way street.

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