'No antibiotics without doctor's prescription': Govt launches Operation Amrit to prevent misuse of antibiotic drugs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Drugs Control Department is launching an investigation called Operation Amrit to prevent the misuse of antibiotic drugs. A special squad appointed by the Drugs Controller will also participate.

Medical stores should display a poster saying 'antibiotics not sold without doctor's prescription'.

The public can also inform the authorities if they notice anitbiotics being sold without a prescription. In Kerala, where antibiotics are sold to the tune of Rs 56 crore annually, measures to curb their misuse were on paper. This was reported by Kerala Kaumudi on November 27. There were allegations that the government was conniving with the drug lobby.

Medical stores should keep accurate records of their sales.

Regular use of antibiotics can weaken the immune system. According to the estimates of the World Health Organization, one crore people will die from antimicrobial resistance by 2050.