Avoid popping antibiotics unnecessarily, say experts

Patna: Health experts on Friday cautioned about the negative impact of excessive use of antibiotics, which increases drug resistance among bacteria and viruses. The caution came during the first state programme on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) held at the Swasthya Bhavan under the aegis of the state health society, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Muzaffarpur, and Doctors For You.Inaugurating the event, state health society executive director, Sanjay Kumar Singh, said the first programme on antibiotics was part of the health department’s efforts on a war footing to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics.Other experts advised patients to avoid consumption of antibiotics without doctor consultation after having a minor cough or cold and inappropriate use of antibiotics in children.Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (Muzaffarpur) in-charge, Dr Ravikant Singh appreciated the state government’s efforts in taking up the cause and emphasised the need to have a state action plan in this regard.