MALAPPURAM: The sale of medicines worth about Rs 700 crore has decreased in Kerala after the Drugs Control Department made it mandatory for doctors to write prescriptions for antibiotics and medical stores to comply with it. Regular consumption of antibiotics can lead to infections with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, which can lead to serious health problems. It is in this context that the government has banned the sale of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, one crore people in the world will die due to antimicrobial resistance if the current situation continues.

Licenses will be suspended

Pharmacies must keep accurate records of the sale of antibiotics. Strict action including suspension of licenses will be taken against pharmacies and medical stores that provide antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.

"We are conducting proper checks on the sale of antibiotics. 340 camps have been organized for NSS students. Every fifty students will visit 200 houses and create awareness.'

-K. Sujith,

State Drug Controller

`We are fully cooperating with the project keeping in mind our social commitment.'

-A.N. Mohan, State President,

All Kerala Chemist and Drugs Association

Shortfall in sales for the financial year 2023-24 (according to the estimates of the Drugs Control Department): 300 crores

Sales shortfall for the year 2024-25 (according to the estimates of the All Kerala Chemist and Drugs Association): Around 400 crores

Medical stores in Kerala: 29,000

Keralaians spend on medicines in a year: 15,000 crores

Antibiotics in medicines taken by Malayalis: 15-20%