The emergence of AMR significantly hampers our ability to combat infections, leading to prolonged illnesses, escalating healthcare costs, and soaring mortality rates.
Equally disquieting is the fact that a whopping 94 percent of patients receive antibiotics before a precise medical diagnosis pinpoints the root cause of their infection.
The Access group comprises essential antibiotics vital for treating patients while the Watch group possess a higher propensity for resistance and require cautious and selective use.
The NCDC underscores the need for clear policies favouring ‘Access’ group antibiotics, minimising the use of ‘Reserve’ group drugs, and monitoring their external sources.