Manipur Health Minister S Ranjan on Tuesday called on the public to stop self-medication and over the counter prescription of drugs, saying that it is a contributing factor to antimicrobial resistance.
"Never consume any drugs or antimicrobial unless it is prescribed by a health professional,'' Ranjan said while speaking at the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week held at JNIMS in Imphal East.
The event was organised by the Directorate of Health Services and NHM Manipur under the theme "Preventing antimicrobial resistance together" under the slogan "Antimicrobial: Handle With Care."
Antimicrobial resistance is listed among the top 10 global health challenges and has become a threat and a silent pandemic, the minister said.
The trend of self-medication is being practiced by the majority of the people with the advancement of information and technology, he said, adding it is one of the drawbacks of the IT sector.
Concerning the report of antibiotics use at 81 per cent of the livestock, there is a need for finding a solution by the Health and Veterinary department as it is a serious health concern to the consumers which is in fact "us", he said.
Ranjan also spoke about the benefits of natural antimicrobials, which are easily available in the kitchen like ginger, clove, garlic, peruk, mayangmaton and others. He also stressed the need of regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet to stay fit and healthy.
Further pointing out the need for maximum awareness on the proper uses of antimicrobials, he apprised the doctors to spread awareness whenever they visit any new places.
The function was presided by Director of Health Services Dr Kh Sasheekumar Mangang while state mission director of NHM Manipur Dr Somorjit Ningombam; Veterinary director Dr Ng Ibotombi and director of JNIMS L Deben attended as guests of honour.
