India is facing a silent health crisis. Common antibiotics are no longer working effectively against diseases like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Recent medical findings show a sharp rise in antibiotic resistance. Today, during Mann Ki Baat, Narendra Modi directly addressed this issue and urged citizens not to take antibiotics without medical advice. His message underlines an urgent public health concern.
What the Medical Data Indicates
Medical surveillance across India shows that bacteria causing pneumonia and UTI are becoming resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Medicines that once worked quickly now fail more often. As a result, doctors are forced to use stronger and costlier drugs. In severe cases, even these options show limited success.
Why Antibiotics Are Failing
The main reason is irrational use. Many people take antibiotics for viral fever, cold, or cough. Others stop the course midway once symptoms reduce. In addition, repeated use of the same antibiotic allows bacteria to adapt and survive. Over time, these bacteria become stronger and spread in the community.
Pneumonia: A Growing Threat
Pneumonia affects children, elderly people, and patients with weak immunity the most. Earlier, basic antibiotics controlled the infection. Now, treatment often requires hospital admission and intravenous medicines. This delay increases complications and raises the risk of death, especially in critical patients.
UTI: From Simple Infection to Serious Condition
Urinary tract infections were once treated easily with oral antibiotics. Today, many UTI cases return repeatedly because bacteria no longer respond to standard medicines. This leads to prolonged discomfort, kidney complications, and higher medical costs.
Modi’s Message in Mann Ki Baat
In today’s Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly warned against self-medication with antibiotics. He stressed that antibiotics are not general medicines and misuse weakens their power. He appealed to citizens to trust doctors and complete prescribed courses fully. This public message aims to change behaviour at the grassroots level.
Why Doctors’ Advice Matters
Doctors decide whether an infection is bacterial or viral. Antibiotics work only against bacteria. When taken unnecessarily, they harm the body’s natural balance and strengthen harmful microbes. Medical guidance ensures the right drug, right dose, and right duration.
Impact on Hospitals and Healthcare
Antibiotic resistance increases hospital stays and treatment costs. It also puts pressure on intensive care units. Resistant infections spread faster in hospitals, making infection control more difficult and risky for patients and healthcare workers.
What Citizens Must Do Now
First, never take antibiotics without a prescription. Second, always complete the full course. Third, never reuse old or leftover medicines. Finally, follow hygiene practices to prevent infections in the first place.
What Doctors and Health Systems Must Focus On
Doctors need to rely more on diagnostic tests before prescribing antibiotics. Hospitals must strengthen infection control and monitor antibiotic use. Public awareness must continue beyond campaigns and reach households.
Why This Is a National Concern
Antibiotic resistance does not affect one person alone. It threatens the entire healthcare system. If misuse continues, even minor infections may become life-threatening in the future.
Conclusion
The warning from medical experts and the message from Mann Ki Baat together send a clear signal. Antibiotics are precious and limited. India must protect them through responsible use. Behaviour change at the individual level, guided by doctors and reinforced by public leadership, is the only way to stop this growing crisis.
