In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the growing threat posed by the misuse of antibiotics, urging citizens to consult qualified doctors before consuming these life-saving medicines. Modi highlighted that unsupervised use of antibiotics, particularly for conditions like pneumonia and urinary tract infections, is contributing to rising antimicrobial resistance and rendering treatments increasingly ineffective.
Citing recent findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Modi noted that casual consumption of antibiotics is not only failing to cure infections but is also facilitating the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. He warned against self-medication practices, stressing that many individuals mistakenly believe a single pill can resolve a variety of illnesses, which has exacerbated the challenge of resistant infections.
Medical experts welcomed the Prime Minister’s initiative, reinforcing the urgency of his message. Dr. Namita Jaggi, Chairperson of Lab Services and Infection Control at Artemis Hospitals, praised Modi for highlighting the importance of judicious antibiotic use. She described the call to use antibiotics only under medical supervision as a crucial step in addressing antimicrobial resistance in India.
Dr. VK Paul, NITI Aayog’s Health member, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that while antibiotics save millions of lives globally, unscientific overuse is steadily eroding their effectiveness. He stressed that the Prime Minister’s caution against self-medication is timely and essential, urging doctors to uphold their professional responsibility by prescribing antibiotics according to established protocols.
Former AIIMS director Dr. Randeep Guleria also underscored the alarming rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, noting that patients in hospitals and ICUs are increasingly facing illnesses that no current medication can effectively treat. He highlighted that misuse of antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds or coughs, accelerates resistance, making these drugs ineffective when genuinely needed.
Supporting Modi’s appeal, leading diabetologist Dr. V Mohan expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister’s advocacy, reinforcing the call for responsible and prescription-guided antibiotic use. Collectively, health experts stress that public awareness, careful prescription practices, and adherence to medical guidance are essential to combat the growing public health threat of antimicrobial resistance in India.
