A recent survey by Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, unveiled during World AMR Awareness Week 2024, has brought alarming insights into the antibiotic usage habits of Mumbaikars. Conducted over 30 days, the survey highlights the widespread misuse of antibiotics and its potential role in accelerating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a global health crisis.
Key Findings of the Survey:

• Consulting Doctors: Only 43% of respondents consult doctors before taking over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics.

• Antibiotic Sharing: 53% of participants admitted to sharing antibiotics with family or friends exhibiting similar symptoms.

• Incomplete Courses: A mere 39% of respondents reported completing the full prescribed antibiotic course.

• Lack of Awareness: 40% were unaware of the dangers of not completing their prescribed antibiotic course.

• Infrequent Doctor Consultations: 61% discuss their antibiotic usage with doctors only during routine or mandated follow-ups.

Expert Voices on Antibiotic Misuse:

• Dr. S. Narayani, Business Head-Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra: “Self-medication and OTC antibiotic consumption, fueled by limited knowledge, contribute significantly to AMR. Through this survey, we aim to encourage judicious antibiotic use and ensure antibiotics remain effective for future generations.”

• Dr. Anita Mathew, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Mulund: “Antibiotics are not universal solutions. Misuse, especially for viral infections like the flu, can accelerate resistance. Patient education is crucial to preventing unnecessary antibiotic use.”

• Dr. Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan: “Stopping antibiotics mid-course allows bacteria to survive, potentially making future infections harder to treat. Adhering to prescribed courses and vaccination can help curb this issue.”

• Dr. Rohini Kelkar, Sr. Consultant-Hospital Infection Control, SL Raheja Hospital: “The misuse of antibiotics as ‘magic bullets’ for minor illnesses promotes resistant bacteria, undermining their efficacy in severe cases.”

• Dr. Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi: “The survey exposes worrying non-compliance rates. Educating the public about adhering to prescribed treatments is critical for safeguarding public health.”

The Bigger Picture:
This survey comes amidst growing concerns of AMR, a significant public health challenge in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), antibiotic resistance is escalating, rendering common treatments ineffective. With only 37% of Indians diagnosed with hypertension and 30% receiving treatment, the need for proactive interventions is more pressing than ever.
Why It Matters to Pharmacists and the Public:
For pharmacists, this data underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight on OTC antibiotic sales. For citizens, it’s a wake-up call to use antibiotics responsibly to combat the AMR threat.