World Antibiotic Awareness Week: Fortis Mohali doctors emphasize on rational use of antibiotics

World Antibiotic Awareness Week: Fortis Mohali doctors emphasize on rational use of antibiotics                     

Chandigarh, November 24, 2021: 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, celebrated World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) from 18th – 24th November. The event takes place every year in November to promote global awareness on rational use of antimicrobials and prevent antimicrobial resistance.  The theme for WAAW-2021 is ‘Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance’.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. More work is needed to spread AMR awareness among policymakers, providers, prescribers, and the public.

Dr. Shivani Juneja Bedi, Associate Consultant, Clinical Pharmacology, organised the event under the guidance of Air Marshal (Dr) R.K. Ranyal, Medical Director, and Abhijit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. 

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that cause diseases, stop responding to medicines. This makes the body more prone to common infections and increases the risk of severe illness and even death. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics, sharing of left-over antimicrobials also contributes to resistance.

Dr Bedi further emphasised on vaccination and hand hygiene to keep infections at a bay. “Appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs also helps preserve the effectiveness of medical treatment. We need to encourage best practices among ourselves to slow down the development of AMR and spread of drug-resistant infections,” added Dr Bedi.

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 27 healthcare facilities (including projects under development), 4100 operational beds and over 419 diagnostics centres (including JVs). Fortis is present in India, United Arab Emirates (UAE) & Sri Lanka. The Company is listed on the BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India. It draws strength from its partnership with global major and parent company, IHH, to build upon its culture of world-class patient care and superlative clinical excellence. Fortis employs 23,000 people (including SRL) who share its vision of becoming the world’s most trusted healthcare network. Fortis offers a full spectrum of integrated healthcare services ranging from clinics to quaternary care facilities and a wide range of ancillary services.