Prescription Perils.

The alarming surge in antibiotic consumption within Pakistan is beginning to raise significant concerns. Excessive use and the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics, often with inappropriate prescriptions, are contributing to this growing problem. In many cases, these prescriptions are unnecessary, and the overuse of antibiotics carries its own set of dangers. It is crucial to address these issues to safeguard public health.

Pakistan's position as one of the highest antibiotic-consuming countries in the low and middle-income bracket of nations is alarming. In 2022, Pakistan consumed antibacterial medicines worth Rs134.5 billion. This is a concerning statistic as the excessive use of antibiotics can lead to Anti-Microbial Resistance, resulting in bacteria that are resistant to most available antibiotics. One example is the rise of Typhoid, which cannot be effectively treated with many third-generation antibiotics.

Banning over-the-counter sales of antibiotics and raising public awareness are essential measures to combat this trend. OTC access to antibiotics can contribute to self-medication and irrational prescriptions by healthcare professionals, which are major reasons for the extensive consumption of these medicines. It is vital to regulate antibiotic sales and ensure that antibiotics are prescribed judiciously by healthcare providers. This will not only curtail excessive...