Healthy Soch
India
healthysoch
Chandigarh, May 17, 2026:
For years, antibiotics have been one of the modern medicine’s biggest protections against the infections. A simple course of medicine could treat pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and post-surgical complications as well. But today, the world is moving closer to a dangerous reality where some of these infections are becoming very difficult and in certain cases, almost impossible to treat. This growing threat is also known as antimicrobial resistance.
AMR occurs when bacteria or parasites stop responding to medicine that were earlier effective against them. As a result of which, infections last longer, medical treatment becomes more complicated, hospital stays increase and risk of severe illness or death rises. As per the World Health Organisation, bacterial AMR was directly responsible for around 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and was associated with nearly 4.95 million deaths globally. WHO identifies AMR as one of the top global public health and development threats.
The warning signs are visible already. Most recently, the WHO global antibiotic resistance surveillance report indicated rising resistance trends across bloodstream infections and urinary tract infections, on the basis of data from around 100 countries.
In India, the concern around antimicrobial resistance is especially alarming, as antibiotics are frequently used without proper medical guidance. Self-medication, easy over-the-counter availability, inadequate infection control practices, and delayed diagnostic interventions continue to fuel the problem. The Indian Council of Medical Research has been actively monitoring AMR through its surveillance network, with a focus on resistant pathogens such as E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aurous.
These organisms are commonly associated with serious conditions, including sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and hospital-acquired infections. Dr Sufi Roomi, Medical Spokesperson, Jolly Healthcare, said, “The post-antibiotic era is no longer a distant concern; it is increasingly evident in day-to-day clinical practice. Infections that were once easily treatable are now demanding stronger antibiotics, prolonged treatment courses, and more precise diagnostic evaluation.
Addressing this challenge requires early and accurate diagnosis, rational antibiotic usage, and stronger awareness among healthcare professionals, hospitals, and patients alike. India must transition from empirical and repetitive antibiotic use toward evidence-based treatment approaches. Diagnostics, antimicrobial stewardship, and responsible prescribing should become the foundation of modern infection management.”
Hospitals are now witnessing the effect of AMR most sharply in the intensive care units, post-operative care and patients with weak immunity. Resistant infections can easily complicate recovery after surgeries, support from organs, cancer treatment and critical care admissions, as well. For doctors the problem is not only choosing the correct antibiotic but also preventing the spread of infections inside healthcare settings.
Dr Hemant H.R., Senior Consultant and Head – Critical Care Medicine, SPARSH Hospital, Infantry Road, Bangalore, said, “Antibiotic resistance directly impacts the safety of patients. A resistant infection can easily turn a routine recovery into a prolonged hospital stay, mainly among elderly patients, ICU patients, post-surgical cases and those with existing health conditions. Hospitals should strengthen prevention of infections, hand hygiene, antibiotic, and culture-based treatment. At the level of patients, it is equally significant to avoid self-medication and never stop antibiotics midway. Each and every unnecessary antibiotic used today can also reduce treatment options tomorrow.
