THE RISING THREAT OF DRUG-RESISTANT INFECTIONS IN PAKISTAN

WHAT IS DRUG RESISTANCE?

Drug resistance refers to the decreased effectiveness of a medication, such as an antimicrobial or an antineoplastic, in managing a disease or condition.

ANTI-MICROBIAL RESISTANCE:

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria adapt and become impervious to antibiotics that were previously effective against them. This leads to challenges in treating specific bacterial infections. The excessive and improper use of antibiotics contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance.

THE IRRATIONAL USE OF ANTIBITOICS IS POSSESING SERIOUS THREATS IN HEALTHCARE CAUSING ANTIBIOTIC REISTANCE.

What leads to antibiotic resistance?  

Bacteria can naturally develop resistance to medications over time. However, certain factors can exponentially accelerate this process, including:

• Excessive use of antibiotics/Self Medication:
  

Using antibiotics when they are not necessary contributes to resistance. For example, most sore throats, flu are caused by viruses, which means antibiotics will not be effective. 

• Transmission to non-infected individual:
  

Resistant bacteria can be transmitted, leading to a contagious infection that doesn't respond to antibiotics. The infected individual now has a condition that is resistant to standard treatment.

• Inadequate Infection Control Practices in Hospitals: 
  

Insufficient sanitation and lack of infection prevention strategies facilitate the quick spread of resistant microbes. 

• Low Public Awareness: 
  

Many individuals are unaware of the risks associated with antibiotic overuse and often do not finish their prescribed courses. 

• Substandard and Fake Medications: 
  

The market is saturated with low-quality antibiotics that lead to treatment failures and contribute to resistance.

COMMON DRUG-RESISTANT INFECTIONS IN PAKISTAN

In Pakistan as we all know that the standard practice is not followed and the irrational use is dominant over the prescribed and recommended treatment. The common drug-resistant infection in Pakistan involved:

• Multi Dug Resistant Tuberculosis
  
• Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
  
• Drug Resistant Gonorrhea
  
• XDR- Typhoid
  
• Pneumonia
  

EFFECTS OF DRUG-RESISTANT INFECTIONS

The repercussions of drug-resistant infections are significant:

• Heightened Mortality: 

It becomes more difficult to treat infections, resulting in longer illnesses and increased death tolls.

• Financial Strain: 
  

Longer hospitalizations and the requirement for pricier treatments place a heavy burden on healthcare systems.

• Risk to Medical Interventions:
  

Common surgeries and therapies are jeopardized because of the possibility of encountering untreatable infections.

MEASURES TO OVERCOME ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE:

Pakistan is classified as a high-burden country for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which highlights the imperative for taking action. In the absence of proper countermeasures, the health crisis will continue to escalate. Strategies to combat antibiotic resistance demands a concerted effort from the government, healthcare workers, and the general public. The most important steps are:

• Strict Regulation of Antibiotic Sales: 
  

Enacting strict policies to avoid over-the-counter purchases of antibiotics.

• Public Awareness Campaigns: 
  

Raising public awareness about proper use of antibiotics and the risks of self-medication.

• Enhanced Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities: 
  

Implementing strict sanitation and infection control procedures in hospitals.

• Promoting Alternative Therapies: 
  

Encouraging herbal and non-antibiotic medication where possible to minimize antibiotic dependence.

• Trustworthy Online Pharmacies: 
  

Procuring medicines from reputable pharmacies like Dawa Healthcare Pharmacy Karachi and DHC online medical store can ensure quality and limit the flow of spurious and counterfeit drugs.

ENDING NOTE:

The escalation of antibiotic resistance in Pakistan poses a significant threat that requires urgent action. Enhancing regulations, increasing public awareness, and advancing healthcare practices are crucial to tackling this issue. By making educated decisions and pursuing dependable healthcare options, individuals can help in minimizing the transmission of resistant infections.

For safe and effective pharmaceutical products, think about utilizing DHC Pharmacy in Karachi and DHC Online Medical Store in Karachi to guarantee access to high-quality medications.