Minister Yadav Highlights Perils of Self-Medication, Antibiotic Use

Vijayawada: Caution was sounded against unregulated antibiotic use, lack of public awareness and widespread self-medication at a medical awareness event on Sunday.

Health minister Satya Kumar Yadav said, “Our mission is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a healthier, safer state by creating awareness, enforcing guidelines and protecting the lives of future generations. He was speaking at the symposium on “Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) awareness & medical responsibility” organised by the IMA, AP chapter, at GMCANA, Guntur.

The minister said AMR is a silent but escalating global health emergency; if not addressed, it could lead to the loss of 4 crore lives globally by 2050.

Citing global and Indian reports, Yadav expressed deep concern over unregulated antibiotics use and self-medication. Only seven states currently have an AMR action plan, he said, and called for concerted action by doctors, governments and civil society to contain this crisis.

Avoid irrational prescriptions, promote awareness against wrong trends and support enforcement mechanisms, he advised doctors.

The minister stressed the importance of strengthening drug control enforcement, promoting research and development of new antibiotics and reducing infections through hygiene, safe water and preventive health systems. He recalled a movie from his college days (Prema) that sensitively portrayed AMR’s impact and said it was at alarming levels now.

“Every citizen, every doctor and every policymaker has a responsibility to act now. AMR isn’t just a medical challenge—it’s a social and economic time bomb,” he added.

Among those who participated in the event were Dr Nandakishore, president, IMA AP chapter; Dr Srihari, chairman, AP medical council, GGH Guntur superintendent; Dr Ramana Yasasvi, Dr PS Rao, Dr Subhash Chandrabose, Dr Kishore, Nagendra Prasad, Kalyan Chakravarthy, Dr Selvakumar and Dr Subba Rayudu.