Emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens is a global
threat to human health and a matter of grave public health concern. Resistance of
micro-organisms towards an antibiotic renders it ineffective in curing any disease
caused by those organisms. Some micro-organisms develops resistance to a wide
range of antibiotics including even to newer and more potent antibiotics such
as Carbapenems, making treatment of patient difficult, costly and sometimes
impossible. Due to this antibiotic
resistant micro-organisms leads to increased mortality, morbidity and
healthcare costs.
A major reason of emergence of antibiotic resistant strains
of micro-organism is indiscriminate and irrational use of antibiotics. It is
estimated 50% of antibiotic usage in Indian hospitals are inappropriate and
irrational. Hence, there is an urgent need that hospitals formulate and
implement appropriate Antibiotic Policy that ensures rational use of
antibiotics and prevent any indiscriminate use. This post describes how should be
a hospital’s Antibiotic Policy and what should it contain.
Antibiotic Policy serves as a guideline for doctors to
decide which antibiotic shall be used for treating a specific infectious condition. It also states
practices that must be followed while using Antibiotics on patients. The antibiotic policy must ideally be developed collaboratively. Pharmacotherapeutic committee or the Infection control committee can take a lead role in formulation of this policy, with inputs from all clinical departments.
An antibiotic policy must include following sections
