Hospital chain to launch booklet on antibiotic use soon

With the increasing number of consumers opting for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, doctors in India are mulling on making ‘medicines with prescriptions’ mandatory in the coming years.

Taking a step forward and showing their commitment to provide infection-free environment to patients, the Microbiology Dept, Critical Care Unit & Quality Assurance Department of Shalby Hospitals is launching an antibiotic protocol booklet (pocket size edition) for all its 500 doctors, including 100 consultant doctors, and those who get their patients admitted to the hospital.

Explaining the contents and importance of this booklet, senior VP, quality, academics, and strategic alliances at Shalby, Neeraj Lal said that, “Unlike in the west, wherein no medication or antibiotic is available as OTC without prescription including paracetamol, it is the opposite in our country. Since we are a NABH certified hospital, patient care and safety is of prime importance, and therefore we have decided on the booklet, to be launched on Friday at a city-based hotel.”

Lal further explains that there is gross misutilisation of medications and antibiotics in India owing to which a resistance is built within the patients. “This booklet comprises names of antibiotics along with the micro organisms against which it has to be used.”