The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has issued a directive urging that antibiotics be sold solely on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. This advisory, addressed to the health departments of all four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), aims to combat the escalating threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and curb the hazardous practice of self-medication, according to the sources.
DRAP officials emphasized the importance of this directive, highlighting the dangers associated with the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Self-medication, they warned, can lead to the unnecessary consumption of these drugs, which not only aggravates resistance but also diminishes the efficacy of critical medications. Over 70% to 80% of antibiotics are prescribed and consumed unnecessarily for self-limiting conditions, significantly contributing to the AMR crisis. This irrational use poses a severe public health risk, making antibiotics ineffective against disease-causing microorganisms.
The head of DRAP stated that globally, antibiotics and antibacterials are sold only on prescription, and Pakistan must follow suit to prevent self-medication. This move is essential to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and safeguard public health.
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National Institute of Health (NIH) statistics
Recent data underscores the urgency of this directive. In 2021, Lahore saw a 66% increase in the cumulative consumption of antibiotics compared to 2019. National Institute of Health (NIH) statistics reveal a 78% rise in oral antibiotic use and a 35% increase in intravenous antibiotic use from 2019 to 2021. The cumulative consumption data indicates a notable surge in the use of macrolides, cephalosporins, penicillin, and quinolones. Among quinolones, moxifloxacin and ciprofloxacin were the most commonly used antibiotics in Region 4 throughout the study period.
The advisory from DRAP is a crucial step in addressing the burgeoning issue of antibiotic resistance. It reflects a broader, global acknowledgment of the need to regulate antibiotic use strictly. By ensuring that antibiotics are prescribed only when absolutely necessary and under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals, Pakistan can better manage the threat of AMR.
Implementing this directive will require concerted efforts from health departments across the country. It is imperative that these departments enforce the sale of antibiotics strictly on prescription, raising awareness among the public about the dangers of self-medication and the importance of adhering to medical advice. Pharmacists and healthcare providers must be vigilant in upholding this policy, ensuring that antibiotics are dispensed responsibly and only to those with a valid prescription.
The DRAP’s advisory is a vital measure to combat the misuse of antibiotics and the resulting AMR. It calls for a unified effort from all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to promote responsible antibiotic use, protect public health, and preserve the efficacy of these essential drugs for future generations.
