Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant issue in Nepal, especially among intensive care patients, according to recent reports. Experts warn that the misuse and irrational use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture are contributing to this growing problem, which they describe as a “silent pandemic.”

Dr. Raju Pangeni, a pulmonary critical care physician, noted that many patients arrive at hospitals already using high-grade antibiotics purchased over-the-counter without proper medical guidance. This practice leads to a crisis as antibiotics that once saved millions could soon become ineffective due to rising resistance rates.

The World Health Organization explains that AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and no longer respond to medications, complicating treatment and increasing the risk of disease spread and severe illness. In Nepal, antibiotics can be easily obtained without prescriptions, and many individuals do not complete their courses, which can contribute to resistance.

A study by the Nepal Health Research Council found that only 32% of doctors have access to antibiotic susceptibility testing, and just 49% recommend such tests before prescribing antibiotics. Alarmingly, 22% of outpatients do not complete their prescribed antibiotic course, while others misuse antibiotics for prophylaxis or save leftover medication for future use.

Additionally, the agricultural sector’s use of antibiotics in livestock and poultry contributes significantly to the presence of resistant bacteria in food products and the environment. The NHRC study revealed that around 70% of farmers use higher doses of antibiotics for faster recovery of sick animals.

Overall, there is a pressing need for increased awareness and training regarding the responsible use of antibiotics among healthcare providers and the public to combat AMR effectively.

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