Odisha: Experts sound alarm over antibiotic misuse, overuse

BHUBANESWAR: Experts while attending national conference of paediatric infectious disease (NCPID)-2021 here on Saturday expressed concern over antibiotic misuse and overuse. They appealed to people to consult a physician before taking any medicine instead of self-medication.
Theme of the two-day conference organised by Indian Association of Paediatrics (IAP) Odisha was ‘Antibiotic Steward: Need of Hour’. The paediatricians put emphasis on creating awareness about misuse and overuse of antibiotics.
Nilamadhab Jena, president of IAP Odisha, said it is seen that many people purchase antibiotics for them and even for their children from medicine stores without consulting any doctor. “If the antibiotic purchased by the person is not used properly, it creates a problem of antibiotic resistance,” he added.
He said no new antibiotic has been developed during the last two decades. “We are using the existing antibiotics. Due to antibiotic resistance, latest medicines do not work sometimes. After 20 years, the situation will become more problematic. People should stop misusing such types of drugs,” he added.
Other doctors also discussed this topic in detail. Some of them said how the lack of doctors, especially paediatricians in rural areas have created a dangerous problem. “Quacks are selling antibiotics for even normal cold. People should consult a proper doctor for treatment and medication,” said a paediatrician.
They also discussed early diagnosis and intervention. More than 250 paediatricians from different parts of the country attended the conference which will continue on Sunday too.