Report on Need for Rational Use of Antibiotics to Prevent AMR

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has emerged as a serious global public health challenge. Due to the uncontrolled and inappropriate use of antibiotics, even common infections can become complicated and potentially life-threatening. The medical community has expressed deep concern over this growing threat and has appealed to society to adopt responsible behavior. Doctors emphasize that practices such as taking antibiotics without medical advice, not completing the prescribed course, purchasing medicines on one’s own, or pressuring doctors to prescribe antibiotics all contribute to the rise of AMR. Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections and do not work for viral illnesses such as the common cold or flu. Therefore, demanding antibiotics for every illness is not appropriate. Physicians also clarified that if an antibiotic is prescribed, it is extremely important to complete the full course of treatment, even if the patient starts feeling better in between. Stopping the medication midway can allow bacteria to survive and become stronger, making future infections harder to treat. In addition, leftover or expired antibiotics at home should not be thrown into the garbage or given to another person. Instead, they should be disposed of safely through authorized collection or disposal systems. Maintaining personal hygiene, regular handwashing, vaccination, and proper infection-control measures can also significantly reduce the risk of AMR. Doctors collectively reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the rational and scientific use of antibiotics and to continuously conducting awareness campaigns to educate society about this issue. They also appreciated the initiative taken by Dainik Jagran in raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance.