According to a recent survey by Fortis Hospital, most people in Mumbai rarely consult a doctor before buying antibiotics. A month-long survey of 4,511 people found that misuse of antibiotics is high in the city, increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant public health concern in India.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria learn to fight drugs that were initially designed to kill them. This makes the infection difficult to treat and dangerous germs can spread.

Overuse or misuse of antibiotics, such as not filling prescriptions, makes bacteria more likely to adapt and become stronger, reducing the effectiveness of the medication.

Doctors said AMR is being caused by widespread self-medication and inappropriate antibiotic use. Through the survey, they aimed to highlight significant shortcomings in the way residents understood and used antibiotics.

The survey, which included respondents aged 26 to 50, 1,157 men and 1,285 women, revealed several worrying trends:

• Limited medical consultation: Despite the potential risks of drug interactions, only 43% of respondents consulted a doctor before using over-the-counter antibiotics.
• Sharing antibiotics: More than half (53%) admitted to sharing antibiotics with family or friends experiencing similar symptoms.

• Incomplete courses: Only 39% completed their prescribed antibiotic courses, stopping midway after feeling better.
• Lack of awareness: 40% were unaware of the risks of not completing the antibiotic regimen.
• Delayed discussions: 61% only discussed antibiotic use with doctors during routine or mandatory follow-ups.
• It also highlighted that about 71% people do not know the difference between bacterial and viral infections.

Dr S Narayani, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra, said self-medication based on limited knowledge is leading to AMR and there is a need for awareness about judicious antibiotic use.

Experts also emphasized the consequences of misuse. Dr Anita Mathew, director of internal medicine at Fortis Mulund, said antibiotics are ineffective against viral diseases like flu, which resolve on their own.

“Antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They need to be tailored based on the site of infection and the bacteria we suspect. For conditions like the flu, which is caused by a virus, not bacteria, Antibiotics are not effective Dr. Mathew said, since the flu is self-limiting, it usually clears up on its own without the need for antibiotics.

He urged patients to avoid over-the-counter antibiotics and rely on professional advice.

Dr. Kirti Sabnis, infectious diseases specialist at Fortis Kalyan, warned about the growing threat of AMR, saying, “Prematurely stopping antibiotics or using them unnecessarily leads to the development of resistant bacteria, which can lead to future infections.” It becomes difficult to treat.”

“People need to know that vaccination is not just for children, but also for adults, especially those with comorbidities such as diabetes, obesity, liver disease or autoimmune disorders for which they may be on steroids. They should follow their doctor’s vaccination recommendations to help prevent frequent infections due to low immunity,” Dr. Sabnis said.

While the survey is a warning to people in Mumbai, the problem persists across the country, requiring immediate awareness.

At a recent global conference on antimicrobial resistance in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Singh Patel highlighted India’s “One Health” approach in addressing AMR in the country.

This means collaboration across human, animal, plant health and environmental sectors to tackle AMR.