28 percent of patients in Nepal take antibiotics without prescription: Report

KATHMANDU: The consumption of antimicrobials in Nepal has witnessed a significant increase, with a study revealing that 28 percent of patients are using these medications without a doctor’s prescription.

The Nepal Health Research Council recently released a study report, which disclosed that 70 percent of people in Nepal were taking potent antimicrobials. Dr. Meghraj Banjara, an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Tribhuvan University and a participant in the study, shared these findings during a program.

Antimicrobials encompass a range of medications such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiparasitics, which are utilized to prevent and treat infections.

Globally, there are 180 types of antimicrobials, classified into three groups. Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizing the minimal use of potent antimicrobials, their usage is surging in Nepal.

Dr. Banjara explained that their usage is not only excessive but also misused in Nepal. Even doctors are inaccurately prescribing these medications, while people are purchasing them without a valid prescription.

“The excessive and widespread use of infection-treating medicines has rendered them ineffective,” stated Dr. Banjara, who further pointed out that no new antimicrobials have been developed in the past 36 years.

These medications should be used strictly based on necessity, without exceeding the required dosage. This approach ensures their prolonged effectiveness.

Dr. Banjara also highlighted that doctors were often prescribing antimicrobials without verifying their efficacy.

According to the study’s findings, 28 percent of people purchased antimicrobials without a prescription, and 22 percent failed to adhere to the prescribed dosage. Some commonly used medications without proper medical guidance include azithromycin, amoxicillin, cefixime, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole.

In accordance with WHO standards, antimicrobials should only be prescribed to 20 to 26 percent of patients, yet in Nepal, 37.8 percent of patients are utilizing these medications.