Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM- A KEY ROLE OF PHARMACIST

Jasmy E. S.*, Dr. Jincy E.S, Rashmi Sundar, M. Somasundaram, Anjana Baby, Sharon Ann Varghese

Abstract

India being the largely populated country and the largest consumer of Antimicrobials, the problem of irrational use of Antimicrobials and Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is deep and multifactorial. India is one of the countries reported by WHO for its high unjudicial use of antimicrobial agents and high rates of drug resistance and poor surveillance. More than 50% of the prescriptions contain antimicrobial agents, without which many treatments may fall impossible. Rational use of such medicines is a crucial element for better health outcomes and for providing better patient medical care. But Antimicrobials has more chance of risk occurrence, such as disruption of naturally occurring micro biome in the human gut, antibiotic drugs taken to kill infection causing ―bad‖ bacteria also kill ―good‖ bacteria that protect against infection, followed by allergic reactions and drug interactions. Another serious issue mainly faced in the hospital setting is infections caused by resistant organisms to patients already on antibiotics. Above all risks antimicrobial resistance considered as the global emergency condition, which needs an immediate action. The pharmacist, due to their unique expertise over drugs, there is a paramount need of them for their active role in the health care team in country, where several other countries with the pharmacist collaboration are achieving success over AMR and irrational Antimicrobial use. Pharmacist led research on Antimicrobial use and stewardship programs can be best solutions. Hence, the present paper describes about the Antimicrobial resistance, Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Program and role of Pharmacist in AMS team.

Keywords: Antimicrobials, Bacteria, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Program, Pharmacist, Rational Use.