Odisha Government Directs Doctors to Justify Anti-Microbial Prescriptions

Bhubaneswar: In response to directives from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Odisha Government has instructed doctors across the state to provide justifications when prescribing anti-microbials to patients.

Shalini Pandit, Secretary of the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department, issued a letter addressing all department directors, superintendents of government and private medical colleges and hospitals, as well as CDMs and PHOs regarding this matter.

The letter emphasized the critical issue of anti-microbial resistance (AMR), stating that it jeopardizes the achievements of modern medicine and poses a threat to effective infection prevention and treatment. It also leads to prolonged illnesses, increased risk of death, and higher costs for second-line drugs. Misuse and overuse of anti-microbials significantly contribute to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens.

Pandit urged doctors to set an example of judicious anti-microbial use for future generations of medical professionals. The letter underscored the importance of mentioning the exact indication, reason, or justification when prescribing anti-microbials.

Pharmacists were reminded to implement schedule-II and III of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, selling antibiotics only with valid prescriptions. The directive aims to ensure prudent antibiotic use to delay the development of resistance, given the limited availability of new antibiotics in the Research & Development pipeline.

The letter concluded by requesting the circulation of the Government of India’s guidelines to all doctors in both government and private medical colleges, as well as peripheral health institutions, instructing them to strictly adhere to the guidelines and mandatorily provide exact indications/reasons/justifications when prescribing anti-microbials for the public’s interest.