We all have used antibiotics at some point in our lives to treat fever, cold, cough, or any other disease. Often we use them even without consulting a doctor, as these medicines are easily available in pharmacies. But do you know how big a mistake doing this can be? To stop this wrong trend, the Punjab government has decided to impose strict restrictions on the sale of antibiotics. This step is an important initiative to reduce antibiotic resistance (AMR).
What is antibiotic resistance (AMR)?
Antibiotic resistance means that bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms develop ways to avoid the effects of antibiotics. The result is that when we use these medicines, they are not as effective as before. For example, even a simple bacterial infection can take a serious form because it is not affected by antibiotics. The Punjab government has taken this step to solve this problem.
Why is there a ban on the sale of antibiotics in Punjab?
1. Misuse and sale of medicines without prescription
In many parts of Punjab, people use antibiotics without prescription. Without any training from pharmacists, people are given medicines without prescription. This increases the chances of bacteria developing resistance, which can later lead to serious health problems.
2. Increasing antibiotic resistant diseases
Uncontrolled antibiotic use causes bacteria in the body to become stronger, making it difficult to treat any common illness. After some time, antibiotics become ineffective, and this results in the need for more powerful medicines.
3. Easy availability and wrong dosage
There are many pharmacies around us, where medicines are available without a doctor’s prescription. Many times people start treating their illness on their own, due to which the treatment process goes wrong and the disease becomes more complicated.
Benefits of banning the sale of antibiotics
1. Positive effect on health
The biggest benefit of this decision will be that the use of antibiotics will be controlled and they will be given only to needy patients. This will help in controlling antibiotic resistance and medicines will be more effective in treating common diseases.
2. Improvement in health services
After this decision of the Punjab government, there will be clear guidelines for antibiotic use in hospitals and clinics. Doctors and pharmacists will be trained about the correct use of antibiotics, which will reduce wrong dosage and consumption of medicines.
3. Awareness among people
This step will increase awareness about the correct use of medicines in the society. People will understand that antibiotics should be used only on the advice of a doctor, and should not be taken without thinking. This is very important for public health.
How will this decision be implemented?
1. Digital Prescription Tracking
The Punjab government has decided to implement a digital prescription tracking system that will ensure that antibiotics are given only on the prescription of a doctor. The system is expected to be implemented within a year.
2. Training of pharmacists
Pharmacists will be trained on the correct use and dispensing of antibiotics. This will ensure that they dispense medicines correctly and avoid misuse.
3. Follow hospital protocol
Antibiotic protocols will be established in hospitals across Punjab so that antibiotics are given only in urgent cases. This process will provide hospitals with a definite guideline and ensure the correct use of medicines.
Why This Ban Is Necessary
The unrestricted sale of antibiotics without prescriptions has been a major contributor to AMR. In certain areas like Rajanpur, unregulated pharmacies run by untrained personnel have allowed people to purchase antibiotics without any medical guidance. This has led to widespread misuse, contributing to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
By implementing these measures, Punjab hopes to protect the future effectiveness of antibiotics, ensuring they remain a powerful tool in the fight against infections. The state’s comprehensive approach, from awareness campaigns to hospital protocols, seeks to safeguard public health and combat AMR effectively.
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