Contributed by Siddarth D & Dr. Tamhankar
Over 2 million fewer antibiotic
prescriptions were dispensed in primary care throughout 2015 compared to the
year before, according to data from NHS (National Health Service) in the UK. This
was 7.9% reduction was attributed the incentives introduced to general
physicians as well as extensive campaigns to build awareness on antibiotic resistance.
The NHS along with the Public
Health England Department had initiated these campaigns with emphasis in
hospitals on vaccinations, general hygiene practices and judicious prescribing
of antibiotics. Healthcare facilities and healthcare providers following these recommendations and
demonstrating fall in antibiotic prescribing and consumption were given
financial incentives through the campaigns. Given that safely reducing the
amount of antibiotics prescribed to patients was an important part of work to
tackle antimicrobial resistance, the NHS
and the PHE had started series of campaigns to reduce prescription of
antibiotics. It was based on the fact that inappropriate use
and overuse of antibiotics were known drivers of resistance, so reducing the
amount of antibiotics consumed slowed bacteria developing resistance to these
vital drugs and therefore helped prevent antibiotic-resistant infections.
The NHS officials have lauded these results and promised to do more to tackle the menace of antibiotic
resistance. This a good impetus for other countries to follow, by taking up initiatives
involving the healthcare system itself to achieve substantial results in curbing
antibiotic resistance.
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