The National Centre for Disease Control did a survey of three Delhi hospitals and confirmed the presence of NDMI-a mutated enzyme-in intensive care units. The Delhi Health Minister, A.K. Walla claimed that NDMI was within safe limits and not in the city’s water, sewerage or environment. It is however necessary to make a more extensive survey to confirm the minister’s claim. Previous surveys offered data which were to the contrary. Besides, the minister’s assertion does not sound particularly reassuring. Whether or not the super bug exists, it certainly would not do to play down the fear of contamination. Even a small amount of bacteria thoroughly resistant to antibiotics may tamper with surgery, especially in such areas as organ and bone marrow transplants besides chemotherapy. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India has highlighted the danger. Government agencies took a long time to arrive at a finding and so far no action has been taken. The authorities are engaged in subtleties of antibiotic resistance. On the other hand, the World Health Organisation insists on proactive preventive measures.
The Government of India should acknowledge that antibiotics pose a problem in this country. Doctors prescribe them without hesitation. But the basic norms for their use are not observed. The Centre and the states should put their heads together to formulate a comprehensive antibiotics policy as a first step. The Drugs Controller General of India has indicated that altering the Drugs and Cosmetics Act for better regulation of antibiotics is under consideration. But it is still just a thought and laxity prevails. The Centre should ensure that the use of antibiotics helps medicine.
