India’s Rising Antibiotic Use Raises Serious Concerns, Experts Warn

New Delhi | November 20, 2025 India’s growing use of antibiotics has once again come under the spotlight as new studies and official reports highlight how easily these medicines are being accessed and misused. Health experts say the trend is worrying because it is speeding up antibiotic resistance — a crisis that makes common infections harder to treat and increases the risk of severe illness. Recent research, including findings published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, shows that antibiotic consumption in India remained extremely high in 2019. This includes both prescriptions and medicines bought directly from pharmacies without a doctor’s advice. Multiple studies point out that in many parts of the country, antibiotics are still sold over the counter, even though this practice is against medical guidelines. Shopkeepers and informal providers often give antibiotics as a quick fix because patients expect fast relief, even when the treatment is unnecessary. The COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse. Reports from 2021 reveal that the sale of antibiotics shot up during the early months of the pandemic, when fear and confusion led people to self-medicate. Drugs like azithromycin were purchased in large quantities, even though they were not proven to treat COVID-19. A study published in PLOS Medicine confirmed that the demand for antibiotics and drugs like hydroxychloroquine spiked sharply during the pandemic period. The National Centre for Disease Control’s 2023 NAC-NET report shows that while hospitals are trying to follow the WHO’s AWaRe classification — which encourages using safer “Access” antibiotics first — the use of “Watch” antibiotics, which should be more restricted, remains high in many places. A seven-year review from a hospital in North India showed that the use of these powerful medicines has not reduced as much as expected, raising concerns about long-term consequences. A 2025 cross-sectional study on community medicine use revealed that many people do not follow proper dosage or duration when taking antibiotics, often stopping treatment early or sharing leftover medicines with family members. Doctors warn that this behaviour helps bacteria become resistant, making infections more difficult and expensive to treat. Experts say India urgently needs stronger enforcement of pharmacy regulations, better public awareness, and more training for healthcare workers. They also stress that antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a qualified doctor, and never used casually for coughs, colds, or viral infections. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of antibiotics, and without immediate action, health specialists fear a future where even simple infections may no longer respond to treatment. The message is clear: responsible use of antibiotics today is essential to protect the health of millions tomorrow. Disclaimer: This content provides generic information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor for guidance. India’s Rising Antibiotic Use Raises Serious Concerns, Experts Warn India is facing a growing challenge with the rising and often careless use of antibiotics. This issue affects everyone because when antibiotics are misused, they slowly stop working, making common infections harder to treat. Recent studies and reports show that many people still buy antibiotics without consulting a doctor, and the pandemic only increased this habit. Fear, confusion, and easy access pushed many to self-medicate instead of seeking proper medical advice. Experts warn that this growing dependence on antibiotics is creating a dangerous situation where even basic medicines may stop working in the future. Many people also stop their treatment halfway or share leftover tablets at home, which only makes the problem worse. Hospitals are trying to follow better guidelines, but the use of strong antibiotics remains high in many places. This growing trend is a reminder that antibiotics are powerful tools, not quick remedies for every cough or cold. India needs stronger awareness, better regulation, and responsible use from all of us. Protecting the power of antibiotics today will help prevent bigger health risks tomorrow.