Dhaka: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics without medical advice and the widespread failure to complete prescribed courses are accelerating the rise of multidrug-resistant superbugs, a growing public health threat that experts warn could one day rival-or even surpass-cancer in its deadly impact. Dr. Hasan Hafizur Rahman, Associate Professor of Medicine at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), made these observations in an interview with BSS.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Hafizur Rahman explained that Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent lie within a tropical zone, where infectious diseases and infections are highly prevalent. Consequently, the use of antibiotics is extensive, but such use must be rational-prescribing antibiotics only to those who genuinely require them begins with an accurate diagnosis.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman emphasized that blood, urine, or swab cultures from the infected site must be conducted to identify the specific pathogen. Laboratory testing then determines which antibiotic is effective against that germ, and only that proven medication should be administered. He stressed that selecting the correct drug alone is insufficient; administering the appropriate dose and ensuring completion of the full prescribed course are indispensable components of effective treatment.
Highlighting the widespread misuse of antibiotics in the country, the physician pointed out that antibiotics are alarmingly easy to obtain. Many people purchase and consume antibiotics on their own initiative because pharmacies often sell them without prescriptions. Even more concerning is the tendency of some individuals to discontinue the medication after one or two doses as soon as they feel slightly better.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman warned that those who take antibiotics without consulting a physician rarely complete the full course, which is extremely harmful. Pharmacy attendants, village doctors, and unregistered practitioners frequently prescribe antibiotics, contributing to their steady loss of effectiveness due to indiscriminate use.
He noted that excessive use of antibiotics causes a wide range of long-term harm to the human body. Special caution is required when selecting antibiotics for patients with chronic liver disease, kidney disease, or heart conditions. In cases involving diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, or kidney failure, dosage adjustments are essential as some antibiotics can be toxic to the kidneys or liver.
Incorrect drug selection or excessive dosing can cause severe and irreversible damage to the kidneys and liver, he explained. Improper use of antibiotics leads to the development of antibiotic resistance within the body, eventually giving rise to multidrug-resistant organisms or superbugs.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman warned that in the future, superbugs may become even more terrifying than cancer, posing a grave challenge and threat to medical science. No antibiotic may work even for minor illnesses, and effective treatment options might cease to exist.
Addressing this crisis requires the strict enforcement of existing drug administration laws and regulations, he emphasized. The sale of antibiotics without a prescription from a registered physician must be completely prohibited, and pharmacy owners and dispensers must be made fully aware of their responsibilities.
Physicians must review culture and sensitivity reports before prescribing antibiotics, and unnecessary use of multiple antibiotics simultaneously should be avoided. Drug selection must be made cautiously, taking into account the patient's other medical conditions.
Dr. Hafizur Rahman said that the media must play a proactive role in curbing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. By raising awareness among patients, drug sellers, and physicians alike, antibiotic resistance and drug inefficacy can be prevented, safeguarding future generations from the threat posed by superbugs.