T'puram: Health minister Veena George said there has been a reduction of 20 to 30% in antibiotic usage due to the interventions of the health department to prevent unnecessary and unscientific use of antibiotics.
"This means that unnecessary consumption of antibiotics was curtailed within one year. Strict measures were taken to ensure that medical stores do not sell antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. A toll-free number was provided to inform the public and strengthen awareness. All hospitals will be made antibiotic-smart," said George.
The minister was speaking at the state-level inauguration of the awareness campaign against the unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics at Vattiyoorkavu upper primary health centre.
Various types of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness programmes are being organised across the state in connection with AMR week. Awareness is crucial for antibiotic literacy. As part of creating awareness among the general public, campaigns are being run by visiting houses, said the minister.
She personally visited houses in the Vattiyoorkavu area to provide awareness. Health workers will visit houses to provide awareness within this week.
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, 10 million people worldwide will die due to antimicrobial resistance caused by the unscientific use of antibiotics. Considering this, the state health department is implementing exemplary initiatives for the nation. This awareness campaign is a continuation of those efforts, she added.