Prescriptions will be audited to reduce antibiotic use; comprehensive operational guidelines released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has released the SOP for the country's first block-level anti-microbial resistance committees to prevent overuse of antibiotics in the state. Comprehensive guidelines on the formation, objectives, functions and monitoring of block-level AMR committees have been released. The activities of block-level AMR committees are very important to achieve antibiotic literacy. Major private hospitals will also be made part of the KARSAP (Kerala Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan) network, the minister said.

The Block Level AMR Committee chaired by the Block Medical Officer will have representatives from the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Aquaculture, Food Safety, Pollution Control, IMA, IAP, API, AFPI etc. The main objective of block level AMR committees is to create universal awareness among people, health workers and institutions about proper use of antibiotics and infection control practices. Awareness should be given on taking antibiotics only as prescribed by an authorized medical officer, the importance of having access to antibiotic-free food and water, and the importance of safely disposing of unused and expired antibiotic medicines.

Primary health centres, family health centres, block family health centres, social health centres etc. are targeted to be made into antibiotic-smart hospitals. Antibiotic smart hospitals should display AMR awareness posters. All healthcare workers should be trained in infection prevention and control. Expired and unused antibiotics should be disposed of properly.

Prescriptions will be audited to assess and reduce unnecessary use of antibiotics. It can also promote generic drugs and reduce polypharmacy. At least 100 prescriptions should be checked every three months. A minimum of 50 prescriptions per month should be checked randomly in all establishments. The Board has directed the Drugs Controller to take steps to display in all pharmacies and medical stores that antibiotics will be dispensed only with a prescription from an approved doctor as per the government directive.