Misuse of antibiotics worries doc

By ZINA KOIM
PAPUA New Guinea is facing an increase in antibiotic resistance, particularly to amoxicillin and similar antibiotics, a doctor says.
Pacific International Hospital (PIH) medical director Dr Aamir Siddiqui said recent antibiogram results for community-acquired infections in patients who attended or were referred to PIH have indicated a disturbingly high level of resistance to amoxicillin and other commonly used antibiotics.
He said the results were very different with findings from just five years ago when he first joined the hospital.
“When we used antibiotics, some bacteria die, but resistant bacteria can survive and even multiply,” he said.
“The overuse, misuse or incomplete use of antibiotics makes resistant bacteria more common.
“This is particularly troublesome when incorrect or less efficient antibiotics are chosen, or when the full duration of the prescribed antibiotics is not completed.
“Such practices create an environment conducive to the growth of resistant organisms, rendering these antibiotics useless in the future.”
Siddiqui said the situation in PNG was worsened by the prevalence of amoxicillin like antibiotics being purchased from street vendors and small chemists, contributing to the development of antibiotic resistance.
“The ease of access to these medications without proper medical supervision has resulted in their misuse, fostering an environment where resistant strains of bacteria thrive,” he said.
He suggested that toughening regulations in the sale of antibiotics increased public awareness on proper use of antibiotics.
“Also, enforce strict prescription controls to ensure antibiotics are only dispensed by qualified healthcare professionals after a thorough examination,” Siddiqui said.