Imran Zakir
KARACHI: Medical experts have warned that the unnecessary and excessive use of antibiotics is leading to growing microbial resistance, posing a serious challenge to healthcare professionals and patients.
They expressed these views at a seminar on Infectious Diseases, organized by Medical Unit-I, Ward-5, in collaboration with the Medical Microbiology & Infectious Disease Society at Najmuddin Auditorium, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, on Wednesday.
Addressing the seminar as moderator, Chief Resident Department of Medicine, Ward-5, Dr. Rabia Mariam said that doctors’ prescriptions are increasingly filled with antibiotics, while patients are using these powerful medicines “like candies.”
She said the misuse and overuse of antibiotics is contributing to antimicrobial resistance, making treatment of common infections more difficult and complicated.
Renowned paediatrician and consultant at the National Institute of Child Health, Dr. Mohsona Ibrahim, while concluding the seminar, said infection control in hospitals has become a major challenge, particularly due to limited resources in government healthcare facilities.
She said some private hospitals and clinics are also contributing to the spread of HIV, HCV and other infectious diseases due to unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes.
Dr. Qaiser Jamal referred to the paediatric HIV transmission incident at Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution’s Walika Hospital, reportedly linked to the reuse of syringes among children. He stressed the need for strict infection control protocols and proper monitoring of healthcare practices.
Dr. Mohsona urged the medical fraternity to avoid unnecessary prescription of antibiotics and follow standard treatment guidelines to protect patients from future health risks.
Dr. Samreen from Indus Hospital presented data on AIDS, while Dr. Zeeshan spoke on multidrug-resistant infections and the challenges they pose to clinical treatment.
Acting Executive Director of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Dr. Suleman, said microorganisms are emerging as a major challenge for the medical community. He added that JPMC remains committed to training, research and knowledge sharing to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The speakers emphasized the need for awareness among doctors, paramedics and patients regarding safe medical practices, rational use of antibiotics and effective infection prevention measures.
