The authorities has chalked out a programme to make all household well being centres (FHCs) in Kerala antibiotic-smart this yr and discourage the sale of antibiotic medicines with out a physician’s prescription. Health Minister Veena George mentioned on Monday that efforts had been beneath option to promote antibiotic literacy in all panchayats.

The Minister mentioned the Ozhalapathi household well being centre in Palakkad had develop into the second in India to develop into antibiotic-smart. The Kakkodi household well being centre in Kozhikode was declared antibiotic-smart final yr. Health centres which have achieved 10 goal parameters beneath the rules prescribed to manage indiscriminate use of antibiotics are categorised as antibiotic-smart. Kerala has already arrange antimicrobial resistance (AMR) committees in all districts for the streamlined implementation of the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP).

Ms. George mentioned the Health division had taken a critical view of antimicrobial resistance, which the WHO has termed a silent pandemic. She mentioned a large marketing campaign was on to discourage the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.

The Minister hailed the workforce of well being staff on the Ozhalapathy FHC led by Dr. Ancy Samuel. Additional Director, Health, Dr. Nandakumar and District Medical Officer, Palakkad Dr. Vidya had been amongst these current.