Some experts have raised worries over the persistent prescription of antibiotics by health workers, saying it could lead to increased fatalities from infections and wounds. According to them, this will be as a result of built up resistance to antibiotics by infection-causing germs.
The experts spoke at a virtual media dialogue organised by Saint
Rachael Pharma to mark 2021 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week,
WAAW, with the theme: ‘Spread Awareness, Stop Resistance’ should
start with health practitioners.
A Public Health Physician, Esohe Ogboghodo, said antibiotics are being
over-prescribed by health workers, adding that sometimes, as a result of
patient’s demand, while they are also being over-used by the public.
She however traced the causes of antibiotics resistance to factors which
include unrestricted access by members of the public to antibiotics,
which often result in abuse.
Another panelist, Bamidele Mutiu also blamed health practitioners for
contributing to antibiotic resistance situation in Nigeria. According to
him, some doctors prescribe the drugs without proper investigation to
ensure whether or not antibiotics are required.
