Antibiotic Overuse and Misuse (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
Antibiotic Overuse and Misuse (Health, Diseases and Biotechnology)
Why In News:
A major international study published in The Lancet Public Health has developed the first global framework estimating how many, and which type of, antibiotics each country actually needs to treat its infection burden.
Comparing these benchmarks against real antibiotic-use data from 67 countries, the study finds that India relies too heavily on powerful 'Watch' antibiotics meant for specific infections, while under-using safer first-line drugs, a pattern that is fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Source: The Indian Express, Page 8, 23 July 2026, 'India using too many powerful antibiotics meant for specific infections: Study'
India-Specific Findings
India's estimated optimal antibiotic use is 14.7 defined daily doses (DID) per 1,000 people per day, but actual consumption stands higher at 18.3 DID.
India's use of Access antibiotics is 4.5 DID, far below the estimated need of 7.8 DID, while its Watch antibiotic use of 9.3 DID exceeds the ideal 6 DID, pointing to both overuse and misuse.
The WHO AWaRe Classification
The AWaRe tool, developed under the WHO Essential Medicines List, aims to curb rising antimicrobial resistance and promote the safe and effective use of antibiotics.
It provides structured guidelines to policymakers and healthcare professionals on the appropriate selection and use of antibiotics.
It classifies antibiotics into three groups:
Access: Antibiotics for the most common infections, with a lower resistance risk, and meant to be the first choice of treatment.
Watch: Broader-spectrum antibiotics reserved for specific infections, carrying higher resistance and safety concerns.
Reserve: Last-resort antibiotics kept for patients with highly drug-resistant infections.
Key Facts for Prelims
Globally, 72 percent of countries use more antibiotics than estimated necessary, while 99 percent overuse Watch-category antibiotics, per the study.
India's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) and the Red Line Campaign are key domestic policy responses.
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR): It is a recently updated framework that emphasizes a “One Health” approach, integrating efforts across human and animal health sectors.
The framework focuses on strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing infection prevention and control, and promoting antimicrobial stewardship.
Red Line Campaign: A public awareness initiative that mandates a vertical red line on antibiotic packaging, indicating that these medicines should only be sold and used with a doctor’s prescription.
Schedule H1 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules mandates stricter record-keeping for the sale of certain high-end antibiotics in India.