Fortis Survey Reveals Gaps in Antibiotic Awareness Among Mumbaikars

Mumbai: Fortis Hospitals Mumbai conducted a survey to assess antibiotic usage and awareness among citizens, highlighting concerning trends that contribute to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The findings, released during World AMR Awareness Week 2024, reveal widespread self-medication and misuse of antibiotics, underscoring the urgent need for education and responsible practices.

The 30-day survey, conducted across Mumbai, found that:

• 43% of respondents consulted a doctor before taking over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics.
• 53% admitted to sharing antibiotics with family or friends who exhibited similar symptoms.
• Only 39% completed the prescribed antibiotic course, while 40% were unaware of the consequences of incomplete treatments.
• 61% discussed antibiotic use with doctors only during routine or mandated check-ups.

“This survey sheds light on the widespread consumption of antibiotics without consultation,” said Dr S. Narayani, Business Head, Fortis Hospitals Maharashtra. “Self-medication based on limited knowledge has contributed to the crisis of growing antimicrobial resistance, one that must be tackled on war footing. We aim to enable judicious antibiotic use and encourage people to seek medical advice to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.”

Addressing misconceptions, Dr Anita Mathew, Director-Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital Mulund, stated, “Antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution; they need to be tailored based on the infection and bacteria. For conditions like the flu, caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. It’s imperative to educate patients on appropriate antibiotic use and discourage unnecessary OTC antibiotic consumption to prevent resistance.”

Highlighting the severity of AMR, Dr Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital Kalyan, said, “If we fail to manage AMR, we risk losing the ability to treat infections with existing antibiotics. Completing the prescribed course is crucial, as stopping early can allow bacteria to survive, potentially leading to resistance. Vaccinations are also vital for adults with comorbidities to prevent recurrent infections.”

“Antibiotics are often misused as ‘magic bullets’ for self-medication,” warned Dr Rohini Kelkar, Sr. Consultant, Hospital Infection Control, SL Raheja Hospital. “This misuse contributes to resistant bacteria, making antibiotics ineffective when truly needed. Antibiotics should be used only after appropriate diagnosis of bacterial infections.”

Dr Farah Ingale, Director-Internal Medicine, Hiranandani Hospital, expressed concern about non-compliance: “Only 39% of respondents completed their full antibiotic regimen, and just 43% consult doctors before using OTC antibiotics. These figures highlight the urgent need for patient education on adhering to prescribed treatments and seeking professional guidance.”

Fortis Hospitals Mumbai plans to address these gaps through engagement programs led by specialists in internal medicine, infectious diseases, and microbiology, aiming to promote responsible antibiotic use and safeguard the health of Mumbaikars.