ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: AN ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Abstract

Antibiotic resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis that threatens the efficacy of treatments for  infections, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Driven by overuse and misuse of antibiotics, AMR challenges medical professionals to balance individual patient care with societal obligations, adhering to ethical principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and stewardship. This review explores the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals in combating AMR through prudent prescribing, patient education, robust infection control, and advocacy for systemic change. Globally, unethical practices such as overprescribing, inadequate regulation, and non-therapeutic antibiotic use in agriculture and animal husbandry exacerbate AMR, with severe implications in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In India, rampant over-the-counter antibiotic sales, lack of diagnostic tools, and inappropriate prescribing practices amplify resistance, undermining public health efforts. Medical professionals must navigate dilemmas such as patient pressure and resource constraints, which contribute to unethical prescribing. Effective antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) are critical to curbing inappropriate use, while infection control measures prevent the spread of resistant pathogens. Globally, equitable access to antibiotics and international collaboration, as outlined in the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan, are vital for addressing disparities in AMR burden. In India, initiatives like the National Action Plan on AMR aim to strengthen regulation and surveillance, yet implementation gaps persist. By fostering continuous education, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting ethical practices, medical professionals can mitigate AMR’s impact. This article aims to assess the status of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) practices across microbiology laboratories in Prayagraj District in Uttar Pradesh, India by administering a comprehensive questionnaire, with the goal of evaluating the adherence to standardized protocols, highlight the gaps in laboratory practices, identifying potential malpractices by medical professionals contributing to increasing AMR.