The misuse of antibiotics has come under focus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a warning against self-medication in his latest Mann Ki Baat address. Explaining growing evidence of antimicrobial resistance, the Prime Minister urged people to stop taking antibiotics without medical advice, stressing that careless use is making common infections harder to treat.
Antibiotics are medicines designed to fight bacterial infections. When used correctly, they save millions of lives every year. But when taken unnecessarily, in the wrong dose, or without completing the prescribed course, they can do more harm than good. Not just to individuals, but to public health as a whole.
Why doctors are worried about antibiotic misuse
Former AIIMS Delhi director Dr Randeep Guleria said hospitals are increasingly seeing patients with infections that no longer respond to standard antibiotics. “Many patients admitted to hospitals, especially ICUs, develop infections for which no antibiotic works. These are multidrug-resistant infections, and this is largely because of antibiotic misuse,” he said.
Dr Guleria cautioned people against taking antibiotics on their own for common symptoms like fever, cough, loose motions, stomach discomfort or burning during urination. “If you have any health problems, do not take antibiotics on your own. Consult your doctor and take them only after proper advice,” he said.
What happens inside your body when antibiotics are misused
When antibiotics are taken unnecessarily or incorrectly, bacteria in the body learn how to survive them. Over time, these bacteria become resistant. This means that when a person actually needs antibiotics, the medicines may no longer work.
NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul explained that antibiotics lose their power when used indiscriminately. “Unscientific and excessive use of antibiotics allows pathogens to become resistant. Studies now show that several antibiotics are losing their effectiveness against life-threatening infections,” he said.
According to Dr Paul, this resistance makes infections more severe, longer-lasting and harder to treat. Patients may need stronger medicines, longer hospital stays and, in some cases, may not respond to treatment at all.
ICMR findings raise alarm
Referring to a recent report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Prime Minister Modi highlighted that antibiotics are becoming ineffective against diseases such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections. “The major reason for this is people’s indiscriminate use of antibiotics,” he said.
The Prime Minister warned against the growing belief that “one pill can cure everything.” He said this mindset is making infections stronger and more difficult to treat. “Medicines require guidance, and antibiotics require doctors,” he said, urging people to strictly avoid self-medication.
Easy access fuels the problem in India
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, Convener of the Research Cell of the Kerala State Indian Medical Association and Chairman of the IMA Cochin Scientific Committee, said antibiotic misuse is fuelling a global health crisis.
“Antimicrobial resistance is a serious problem affecting the entire world. Antibiotics are losing their ability to kill dangerous bacteria because of overuse,” he said.
Dr Jayadevan pointed out that in India, antibiotics are often sold over the counter without prescriptions. “Some people buy antibiotics from medical stores as casually as buying fruits and vegetables. This is not acceptable in developed countries, where prescriptions are mandatory,” he said.
Long-term consequences can be severe
The impact of antibiotic resistance goes far beyond one person. Resistant infections spread easily, making outbreaks harder to control. Patients may suffer prolonged illness, repeated infections and higher medical expenses. In severe cases, common infections can become life-threatening.
“When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics no longer work. The bacteria develop mechanisms to survive these medicines,” Dr Jayadevan explained. He added that the only way to slow this process is to stop unnecessary antibiotic use immediately.
What experts say needs to change
Health experts agree that stricter regulation is key. Dr Jayadevan called for an immediate ban on over-the-counter antibiotic sales. “Antibiotics should be dispensed only after a doctor evaluates the patient and writes a prescription. This is the standard in developed countries,” he said.
Doctors, too, have a responsibility. Dr VK Paul said medical professionals must prescribe antibiotics responsibly and follow standard treatment guidelines. “Doctors must ensure antibiotics are given only when truly needed,” he said.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also backed the Prime Minister’s stand, supporting tighter controls and responsible prescribing practices to curb antimicrobial resistance.
A simple message for the public
The warning from health experts and policymakers is clear. Antibiotics are not painkillers or quick fixes. They are powerful medicines that should be used carefully and only when prescribed.