World Antimicrobial Awareness Week
Fortis Mohali organizes awareness sessions on
responsible use of antibiotics
Mohali, November 24, 2023: ( AVAJ APKI NEWS )
To encourage best practices among the general public, health workers and policy makers to stop the further emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant infections, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, observed World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW). The theme for World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) is ‘Preventing antimicrobial resistance together’.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that cause diseases, stop responding to medicines. This is because the body becomes more prone to common infections and increases the risk of severe illness and even death. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics, sharing of left-over antimicrobials further contributes to resistance.
An informative talk was organised for the nursing staff on Day 1, wherein they were briefed on the spread of drug-resistant infections. Dr Shivani Juneja Bedi, Associate Consultant, Pharmacology, Fortis Mohali, sensitized the staff on the responsible use of antibiotics. A public awareness session on the ‘Role of antibiotics in healthcare’ was also held.
Dr Bedi also educated the audience on the do’s and dont’s of antibiotics. “Misuse of antibiotics can lead to drug addiction, allergy, incorrect diagnosis, and even death in some cases. One should always consult a doctor before taking antibiotics,” she added.
A quiz contest on the responsible use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance was organised for the employees and management of Fortis Mohali on 21st November. A special training session on dispensing antimicrobial medicines only on prescription was organised for the pharmacy staff of the facility on 22nd November. The aim was to educate the staff on the misuse of antibiotics leading to antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Dr Bedi held a session for Fortis employees wherein she emphasized on the right dosage for antibiotics. Multiple sessions were also organised during the week for patient attendants, pharmacists and employees to spread awareness on the rational use of antibiotics.
The staff and doctors were dressed up in shades of blue to support the cause on 24th November wherein a special session with clinicians was planned to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
