The Growing Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance in India

According to a major international study published in The Lancet Public Health, in July 2026, India is relying too heavily on powerful 'watch' antibiotics, medicines meant to treat specific bacterial infections when first-line drugs are unlikely to work.

  • The 'watch' class is composed of stronger drugs that should be saved for conditions where simpler antibiotics won't work.

Major Concerns Raised on India’s Antibiotic Consumption

Excessive Overall Antibiotic Use

  • India’s antibiotic consumption stands at 18.3 DID (Defined Daily Doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day).
  • This exceeds the estimated optimal requirement of 14.7 DID, indicating irrational and excessive use.

Overuse ....

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