Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent warning against the misuse of antibiotics has brought renewed national attention to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with health experts describing the issue as a serious and often invisible public health challenge in India.
In the final episode of Mann Ki Baat for the year, the Prime Minister cautioned citizens against casual and inappropriate use of antibiotics, citing concerns over rising resistance levels. Referring to findings by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he highlighted that commonly used antibiotics are increasingly failing to treat infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs), calling the trend “extremely worrying.”
Health experts have welcomed the intervention, stressing that AMR poses long-term risks to India’s healthcare system. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of ICMR, said the Prime Minister’s message has helped bring a critical issue into public discourse. He explained that antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria causing infections no longer respond to medicines designed to kill them, making routine infections harder and sometimes impossible to treat.
Experts noted that for decades antibiotics were seen as a reliable cure for most infections, but widespread and often inappropriate use has accelerated resistance. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, former president of IMA Cochin and convener of the Research Cell in Kerala, described AMR as a “serious and silent threat” that lacks visible warning signs, leaving many people unaware of its dangers.
Recent global and national data underline the scale of the problem. According to the World Health Organization, nearly one in three bacterial infections in India showed resistance to commonly used antibiotics in 2023, compared to one in six globally. National surveillance data have also reported high resistance levels in pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii.
Adding to the concern, a study published in The Lancet eClinical Medicine warned that India is emerging as a hotspot for multidrug-resistant organisms. The study found that more than 80 per cent of Indian patients carried multidrug-resistant bacteria, the highest proportion recorded worldwide, with some individuals hosting multiple highly resistant organisms simultaneously.
Dr Neeraj Nischal, Additional Professor of Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, said the Prime Minister’s appeal against self-medication and misuse of antibiotics represents a crucial public health intervention. He pointed out that AMR does not arise from new or exotic pathogens but is driven by everyday practices such as unnecessary prescriptions, incomplete treatment courses, over-the-counter sales, and the use of antibiotics for viral infections.
Experts cautioned that continued misuse could have far-reaching consequences, including increased risks during routine surgeries, childbirth and cancer treatment. They emphasised that common symptoms such as fever, cold or cough do not automatically require antibiotic treatment, and misuse in such cases only accelerates resistance.
Medical professionals have urged citizens to use antibiotics strictly on a doctor’s advice and to complete prescribed courses when treatment is necessary. At the same time, doctors were advised to follow evidence-based prescribing practices, while pharmacists were urged to strictly enforce prescription-only sales.
Experts also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight, particularly as online and quick-commerce platforms have made antibiotics more accessible. They stressed that tackling AMR requires coordinated efforts from individuals, healthcare providers, pharmacies and regulators alike.
With antibiotic resistance increasingly threatening the effectiveness of modern medicine, experts said sustained public awareness and responsible use remain key to slowing the spread of AMR.
