Pakistan faces superbug epidemic as antibiotic-resistance increases

The increasing use of antibiotics in Pakistan has raised alarm bells among health experts, who describe the growing resistance to these drugs as an epidemic.

The South Asian nation is one of the largest consumers of antibiotics, experts say, adding that 51% of the population practices self-medication.

The excessive use of antibiotics is causing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms to become more resistant, leading to prolonged treatment durations, higher costs, and increased mortality rates.

In a written response to Nukta, the country's Health Ministry confirmed the rise in antibiotic resistance in Pakistan, even against broad-spectrum and highly effective antibiotics.

Factors that contribute to the rise of these infections, also known as superbugs, include self-medication, unqualified practitioners prescribing antibiotics for quick relief, and the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions.

Pakistani health experts warn that the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes is making infections harder to treat and increasing treatment durations. This resistance is particularly problematic in hospital settings, where unnecessary and irrational use of antibiotics is rampant.

Thousands losing lives annually

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), a government-led research institute, precise data on deaths caused by antibiotic-resistant infections in Pakistan is lacking. However, it added, their estimates suggest thousands of people lose their lives annually due to these superbug infections.

To combat this growing problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Week annually from November 18 to November 24. Pakistan participated in this year’s AMR Week by organizing walks and seminars to raise public awareness.

In response to the crisis, the Health Ministry has finalized a national action plan to stem the phenomenon.

Dr. Muhammad Salman, executive director of NIH, stressed the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and ensuring stricter control in the livestock and agriculture sectors.

He said that due to widespread antibiotic resistance in Pakistan, not only infections in the community is increasing but also the treatment of infections spread in hospitals is becoming difficult.

3 people could die every minute globally by 2050

Dr Zain-ul-abideen, WHO's acting representative in Pakistan, warned that if AMRs are not reined in, three people could die every minute globally by 2050.

Dr. Omera Naseer, AMR lead at the NIH, highlighted findings from her study of 11 tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan, revealing that 91% of patients were prescribed antibiotics—many of them unnecessarily.

She maintained that most hospitals lack antibiotic guidelines and do not conduct lab cultures for accurate prescriptions, leading to drug-resistant pathogens.

"We are working with these hospitals and others to promote antimicrobial stewardship and rational use of antibiotics," she said.

The economic burden of AMR was highlighted by Numrah Safdar, senior pharmacist and AMR specialist at the institute.

She shared findings from studies at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi and Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS) in Islamabad, which showed that AMR significantly increases treatment costs and prolongs hospital stays.