ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has urged provincial health departments, including those in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), to ensure that antibiotics are sold strictly on the prescription of registered medical practitioners to combat the escalating threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and curb the dangerous trend of self-medication, local media reported citing sources.
In a letter, DRAP officials emphasized the growing concerns surrounding AMR, a phenomenon where microorganisms evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, rendering these crucial medications ineffective. The advisory highlights that self-medication, which involves individuals using antibiotics without proper medical supervision, significantly contributes to this problem. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics are known to exacerbate AMR, making it increasingly challenging to treat common infections.
A major issue identified by DRAP is the irrational use of antibiotics, with estimates suggesting that 70% to 80% of these medications are prescribed and consumed for conditions that do not require them. This misuse undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics and poses a severe public health risk.
The DRAP chief noted that, globally, antibiotics and antibacterials are sold only on prescription to prevent self-medication and ensure proper use. Pakistan, facing rising concerns about AMR, is now following suit to safeguard public health.
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In recent years, there has been an increase in antibiotic consumption in Pakistan. According to reports, the cumulative consumption of antibiotics in Lahore surged by 66% from 2019 to 2021. Specifically, oral antibiotics saw a 78% increase, while intravenous antibiotics rose by 35% during the same period. The rise in usage was particularly notable for macrolides, cephalosporins, penicillin, and quinolones. Among quinolones, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most commonly used.
The DRAP has called on health departments across the country to implement this policy rigorously and to educate the public on the dangers of self-medication.
