Archive · 29 Dec 2025
AIIMS Warns Against Over-the-Counter Antibiotics Amid Rising AMR
Doctors and the Prime Minister are warning people not to take antibiotics without a doctor's advice.
Antibiotics are medicines that help fight infections, but if people take them too much or without needing them, the infections can become harder to treat.
This is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In India, diseases like pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are becoming less responsive to antibiotics.
Experts say it's important to consult a doctor before taking antibiotics, follow the prescribed dosage, and not take them for viral infections.
They also suggest better sanitation, vaccination, and stricter regulations to prevent the misuse of antibiotics.
AIIMS Director Dr. M Srinivas and PM Narendra Modi warned against the misuse of over-the-counter antibiotics due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Antibiotics are becoming less effective against diseases like pneumonia and UTIs in India, according to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Experts advise consulting a doctor before taking antibiotics to ensure proper prescription and dosage.
Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern, with bacteria becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics both in hospitals and the community.
Prevention measures include vaccination, proper sanitation, better diagnostics, and avoiding self-medication.
- Who
- Dr. M Srinivas (AIIMS Director), PM Narendra Modi, Dr. Bimal Kumar Das (AIIMS Microbiology), Dr. Neha Rastogi (Infectious Diseases Consultant)
- What
- Warning against the misuse of over-the-counter antibiotics due to rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- When
- Monday (Dr. Srinivas's warning), Sunday (PM Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat')
- Where
- India, specifically AIIMS Delhi and other city-based hospitals
- Why
- To address the alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance and the misuse of antibiotics, which is making diseases like pneumonia and UTIs less treatable
- Primary Concern
- Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India
- Key Figures
- Dr. M Srinivas (AIIMS Director), PM Narendra Modi, Dr. Bimal Kumar Das (AIIMS Microbiology), Dr. Neha Rastogi (Infectious Diseases Consultant)
- Affected Diseases
- Pneumonia, UTIs
- Key Message
- Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's consultation
- Expert Advice
- Consult a doctor for proper prescription and dosage
- Prevention Measures
- Vaccination, proper sanitation, better diagnostics, avoidance of self-medication