Hyderabad: Antimicrobial resistance is rising rapidly in India due to excessive and unnecessary use of antibiotics, multiple studies and medical experts have warned.
Several recent studies flagged the growing danger of drug-resistant infections. As a result, commonly used medicines may fail to treat serious illnesses in the coming years.
The issue gained national focus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people not to use antibiotics indiscriminately. He appealed to the final Mann Ki Baat programme of 2025.
Doctors at AIG Hospitals conducted a detailed study on antimicrobial resistance. The research appeared in The Lancet in November last year.
The study revealed that nearly 80 per cent of Indians already carry superbugs that block the effect of medicines. Researchers warned that future major illnesses could become untreatable. AIG chairman Dr Nageshwar Reddy participated as a co-researcher in the study.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a global and national threat
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi stop responding to medicines. Normally, antibiotics cure infections caused by such microbes. However, frequent and high-dose use weakens drug effectiveness over time.
Doctors explained that excessive antibiotic use allows multidrug-resistant bacteria to enter the body. Consequently, infections do not heal even after medication. In extreme cases, patients die due to treatment failure.
Experts estimate that antimicrobial resistance could cause nearly 20 lakh deaths every year in India by 2050. According to Prof. G. V. Padmaja of Osmania Medical College, AMR now poses a threat to the entire world.
She said bacteria develop resistance faster than new medicines can be created. Therefore, she emphasised that governments must act urgently to control the misuse of antibiotics.
Doctors also pointed to a dangerous rural trend. Many people believe medicines given by unqualified local practitioners work better because high-dose antibiotics give quick relief. However, experts warned that this short-term relief leads to long-term life-threatening risks.
Antibiotic misuse is not limited to hospitals. Experts said excessive use in the agriculture, dairy, and poultry sectors also adds to the crisis. Hence, they called for strict government regulation across sectors.
Doctors advised people to use antibiotics only under qualified medical supervision. They also urged authorities to strengthen monitoring and awareness programmes.
At Gandhi Hospital, doctors observed alarming trends. Dr P Shirisha said 25 to 30 per cent of emergency patients every month showed signs of antimicrobial resistance.
She warned that rising antibiotic use for minor illnesses could trigger a severe public health crisis in the future.