Mangalore, Karnataka: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as one of the most critical public health challenges of our time, threatening to undo decades of progress in treating infectious diseases. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics, not just in human healthcare but also in the veterinary and livestock industries, have led to a rapid rise in resistant bacteria. This growing crisis demands immediate and concerted action, especially in countries like India, where the situation is particularly alarming.
In India, the high burden of infectious diseases, combined with widespread and often unregulated access to antibiotics, has created a perfect storm for the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed without proper diagnosis, and self-medication is common. Moreover, in the veterinary field, antibiotics are extensively used in the livestock industry, often as growth promoters, further exacerbating the problem. The result is a dangerous increase in drug-resistant infections, which are becoming harder to treat and leading to higher mortality rates.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global health threats, warning that if no significant action is taken, AMR could cause millions of deaths annually by 2050. The situation in India mirrors this global trend, with resistant infections already leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased medical costs, and higher death rates.
Given the severity of the issue, there is an urgent need to train healthcare professionals in antimicrobial stewardship—a set of coordinated strategies to improve the use of antibiotics, promote responsible prescribing practices, and reduce the spread of resistance. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASP) are essential in ensuring that antibiotics are used judiciously, with the right drug, at the right dose, for the right duration. These programs play a crucial role in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics, safeguarding public health, and improving patient outcomes.
Recognizing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, Dr. Haroon H, a consultant in internal medicine at KMC Hospital, Mangalore, has recently completed the Certification of Antimicrobial Stewardship for Healthcare Professionals. This certification, endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the Clinical Infectious Disease Society of India (CIDS), equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to implement effective ASPs in their institutions.
In a statement, Dr. Haroon expressed his concern about the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for healthcare workers to lead the fight against this global health crisis. "The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in both human healthcare and the veterinary sector are driving the alarming rise of drug-resistant infections. It's essential that we, as healthcare professionals, take urgent action to address this issue," he said.
Dr. Haroon also highlighted the importance of educating both patients and healthcare providers about the dangers of antibiotic misuse and the need for responsible prescribing practices. He believes that by promoting awareness and implementing robust antimicrobial stewardship programs, healthcare institutions can play a pivotal role in curbing the spread of resistance.
Throughout his training, Dr. Haroon had the opportunity to learn from some of the leading experts in the field, including Dr. Priscilla Rupali and Dr. Balaji Veeraraghavan from Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, and Dr. Priya Nori from the United States. These interactions, according to Dr. Haroon, greatly enriched his understanding of how to effectively implement antimicrobial stewardship practices in a clinical setting.
In recognition of his achievement, KMC Hospital took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to congratulate Dr. Haroon. The hospital wrote, "Congratulations to Dr. Haroon H., Asst Prof in the Dept of Medicine, for successfully completing the Certification in Antimicrobial Stewardship for Healthcare Professionals, endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and @CidsIndia."
Dr. Haroon, who also serves as the Editor of the Indian Journal of Geriatric Care and is a national executive committee member of the Geriatric Society of India, reiterated the importance of collective efforts in addressing the AMR crisis. He urged all healthcare professionals to embrace their roles as stewards of antimicrobials to protect patients, preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations, and mitigate the impact of this global health challenge.
"The fight against antimicrobial resistance is not just about one person’s achievement but about the collective responsibility we all share as healthcare providers. By working together, we can safeguard public health and ensure that antibiotics remain a powerful tool in our medical arsenal for years to come," Dr. Haroon concluded.
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Bengaluru: Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka launched a scathing attack on MLC Dr. Yathindra, demanding that he retract his controversial statement comparing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the late Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. Ashoka urged Yathindra to apologize to the people of Karnataka if he had even a shred of conscience and any respect for the Mysuru royal lineage.
In a strongly worded social media post on Sunday, Ashoka stated, “Comparing Siddaramaiah to Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar is nothing short of absurd. Where is Nalwadi, who was bestowed the title of ‘Rajarshi’ by Mahatma Gandhi himself, and where is Siddaramaiah, who has stooped to being a puppet in the hands of fake Gandhis for the sake of power?”
He continued his critique by contrasting the enduring legacy of Nalwadi, remembered fondly by Kannadigas for his people-centric development, with what he termed as Siddaramaiah’s failure to manage Karnataka’s economy, burdening every household with debt.
Ashoka highlighted several stark differences, while Nalwadi built Mysore University over a century ago, Siddaramaiah is shutting down nine universities due to lack of funds. Nalwadi famously sold his family’s gold to build the KRS dam, whereas Siddaramaiah is accused of grabbing 14 sites meant for the public. Nalwadi established Bhadravati Iron & Steel Plant, Sandalwood Soap Factory, and Mysore Paper Mills. In contrast, Ashoka claimed Siddaramaiah's governance drove away industries, investors, and entrepreneurs. Nalwadi pioneered reservations for the backward classes long before it became mainstream. Siddaramaiah, Ashoka alleged, is reducing social justice to a gimmick by sticking labels on doors in the name of surveys.
While acknowledging Yathindra’s emotional attachment to his father, Ashoka emphasized that comparing Siddaramaiah to a visionary like Nalwadi was “laughable, baseless, and a gross insult” to the late king.
In his concluding remarks, Ashoka slammed the government for ignoring farmers’ needs despite an early monsoon. He accused the administration of being caught up in internal power struggles and negligence, forcing farmers into despair. “This government will not be spared from the curse of the farmers,” he warned.