RSTV-Drug Resistance(In-Depth) - Stellar IAS Academy

In India,a recent study by Indian Council of Medical Research suggests,2 out of every 3 healthy individuals are resistant to 2 commonly used and major antibiotics(Cephalosporins and Fluoroquinolones).Antibiotics or Antimicrobial Drugs have helped to save Countless lives but their misuse and overuse has resulted into something called as the Antibiotic Resistance.Bacteria, not humans or animals, become antibiotic-resistant. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria.
Annually at least 7 million people die due to Drug Resistant Diseases.
The world is rapidly moving towards a ‘Post Antibiotic’ era in which common Diseases will once again kill people.
The gut or digestive tract bacteria of these Healthy individuals was found to be resistant to the common antibiotics.In an healthy individual there are as many bacteria as cells and they perform functions that keep the body running.The study is significant as it signals that it would become more difficult to treat infections in the future.
Cause of Antibiotics Resistance:Inaprropriate use of Antibiotics,Taking Antibiotics for even Common Infections,Rampant use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry animals,Improper disposal of residual antibiotics.
India is the largest consumer of Antibiotics globally and hence, the Indian Government has come out with a policy to contain the Anti-Microbial Resistance.India’s Action Plan for AMR contains National Policy for containment of AMR was introduced in 2011.The Policy aims to understand emergence, spread,factors influencing AMR;To setup a program to rationalise use of Antibiotics and to encourage use of newer and effective antibiotics.
The WHO also outlines a number of steps to taken at the level of Individuals,Policymakers,Healthcare industry,Health Sector,Agricultural Sector,etc.Read the Recommendations by WHO here