Antibiotics Losing Effectiveness: AIIMS Bhopal Warns of a Silent Medical Crisis
Medical experts revealed that antibiotics like Meropenem, Penicillin, and Amoxicillin, once considered reliable even in critical ICU cases, are now failing against many bacterial infections. Ironically, older drugs such as Septron and Chloramphenicol, which were earlier abandoned due to resistance, are showing effectiveness again and are being reintroduced in treatment protocols.
This reversal highlights how dangerously bacteria are evolving in response to human misuse of antibiotics.
AIIMS Bhopal Research Reveals Alarming Data
A recent study conducted at AIIMS Bhopal examined 3,330 bacterial isolates from patients, including infections of the urinary tract, lungs, and bloodstream. The findings clearly showed that commonly prescribed antibiotics are rapidly losing their effectiveness.
Key Findings from January–June 2025
Ciprofloxacin, widely used for urinary infections, showed only 39% effectiveness against E. coli.
Meropenem, used to treat Klebsiella pneumoniae, worked in just 52% of cases.
Dr. Kar warned that if AMR continues unchecked, medical professionals may soon face infections with no effective treatment options.
What Is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms develop the ability to survive drugs designed to kill them. This means antibiotics that once cured infections no longer work. Experts stress that AMR is no longer limited to hospitals — it is spreading rapidly within communities.
Common Diseases Becoming Harder to Treat
Due to AMR, illnesses such as pneumonia, UTIs, skin infections, and gastrointestinal diseases now require longer hospital stays, expensive medications, and treatments with stronger side effects. This not only raises healthcare costs but also increases the risk of complications and death.
Habits Fueling the AMR Crisis
Doctors identified several common practices worsening the problem:
Taking antibiotics without a prescription
- Incorrect dosage or timing
- Stopping medicines once symptoms improve
- Not completing the full course
- Skipping culture and sensitivity tests
- Using high-end antibiotics as first-line treatment
Role of Doctors and Health Workers
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in combating AMR. Choosing the right antibiotic, correct dosage, and appropriate duration is essential. Doctors must also educate patients that antibiotics are not ordinary medicines and should not be misused.
Steps Taken by AIIMS Bhopal
A structured antibiotic stewardship policy
Regular training for doctors and nurses
Public awareness campaigns through posters and street plays
Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs and national conferences
National Action Plan and the Road Ahead
India’s National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR 2.0) aims to strengthen responsible antibiotic use, public awareness, and coordinated efforts across sectors. Experts believe this initiative could play a decisive role in slowing resistance.
What the Public Can Do
- Never take antibiotics without medical advice
- Always complete the prescribed course
- Do not share medicines
- Avoid antibiotics for viral infections
- Maintain hygiene and follow vaccination schedules
A Responsibility to Future Generations
Dr. Madhavanand Kar concluded that antibiotics are among humanity’s greatest medical discoveries. Misusing them today could deprive future generations of these life-saving tools. Responsible action now is essential to prevent a medical catastrophe.
