LAHORE, April 8: Medical experts have said irrational use of antibiotics and self-medication aggravates the disease symptoms and creates resistance in bacteria which makes the treatment more difficult.
They said this while addressing a seminar organised at the Institute of Public Health (IPH) on ‘Combat Drug Resistance, No Action Today No Cure Tomorrow’ here on Friday.
Punjab Health director-general Dr Muhammad Aslam Chaudhry, IPH dean Prof Farkhanda Kokab, National TB Programme manager Dr Darakshan Badar, Dr Shahid Iqbal, Dr Abdul Rashid, WHO representative Dr Babar Alam and former IPH dean Dr M.A Sufi addressed the seminar.
They emphasised the need to create awareness among the masses as well as the doctors’ community for rational use of antibiotic.
Dr Darakshan Badar said the surge in tuberculoses cases in Punjab was due to the fact that many patients either gave up their treatment or did not complete the eight-month course of treatment.
She said the incomplete TB treatment not only enhanced the sufferings of patients but also created problems for doctors in the treatment.
She advised the TB patients to ensure regular use of medicines without any break to get rid of the disease.
Dr M.A Sufi stressed upon the masses to adopt Islamic teachings and hygienic principles. He proposed to launch an anti-spit campaign to eradicate tuberculoses from society.
Dr Shahid Iqbal said that only quacks could not be blamed for unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics but qualified doctors were equally responsible for this practice. He urged upon the doctors not to prescribe antibiotics on the insistence of patients or any incentive given by pharmaceutical companies.
He advised the people to avoid self-medication and consult a qualified physician for the treatment of any disease. Suitable medicines, right dose at a right period and quality of medicine are necessary for curing the disease.
Dr Iqbal disclosed that at least 60,000 medicines were registered in Pakistan while only 2,000 medicines were registered in America.
Prof Abdul Rasheed said the health education and awareness were equally important for the people and health experts, adding that there should be a regulatory body for manufacturing and sale of medicines.
Dr Aslam Chaudhry said that consolidated efforts were needed to check the irrational use of antibiotics.
He said the excessive or irrational use of antibiotics created not only medical problems but also enhanced the financial burden on the family of the patient.
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