Alarming Findings: 75% of Karnataka Doctors Prescribe Unnecessary Antibiotics for Childhood Diarrhoea, Fueling Resistance Crisis

A disturbing revelation from the George Institute for Global Health India has cast a stark light on medical practices in Karnataka: a staggering 75% of doctors are routinely prescribing antibiotics for childhood diarrhoea. This widespread practice flies directly in the face of established global health guidelines, raising serious alarms about the escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance and the overall well-being of our youngest population.

For years, medical consensus, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), has emphasized that most cases of diarrhoea in children are viral in nature and are typically self-limiting.

The recommended course of action isn't a potent antibiotic, but rather the simple yet life-saving combination of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation. These treatments effectively combat dehydration and help restore gut health without resorting to medications that carry significant risks, including the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria.

The comprehensive study, which meticulously surveyed 600 doctors—comprising general practitioners (GPs) and pediatricians—across 15 districts in Karnataka, painted a concerning picture.

While pediatricians showed a slightly better adherence rate (63% prescribed antibiotics), GPs were far more inclined to opt for them, with a shocking 77% reaching for the antibiotic prescription pad. The common culprits found in these prescriptions included drugs like metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, and cefixime—antibiotics primarily suited for specific bacterial infections, which, crucially, are not the primary cause of most diarrhoeal episodes in children.

The implications of this over-prescription are profound and far-reaching.

Every unnecessary antibiotic prescription contributes to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), making common infections harder, if not impossible, to treat. Beyond this macroscopic danger, individual children face immediate risks: antibiotics can disrupt the delicate balance of their developing gut microbiome, potentially leading to long-term health issues, and expose them to unnecessary side effects and healthcare costs.

Dr.

Dinesh U, an expert from the George Institute for Global Health India, articulated the urgency of the situation. "Diarrhoea in children is predominantly viral and self-limiting. Antibiotics are rarely indicated, unless there is severe dysentery or a confirmed bacterial infection. Unnecessary use of antibiotics not only fuels antibiotic resistance but also harms the child's developing system," he warned.

His words echo the sentiments of public health bodies worldwide, which advocate for judicious use of these life-saving drugs.

Why does this disparity exist? Experts point to a confluence of factors, including parental pressure for a quick fix, a potential lack of up-to-date knowledge among some practitioners, or even the practice of "defensive medicine" where doctors err on the side of caution due to perceived patient expectations.

Regardless of the reasons, the consequences remain dire.

This study serves as a critical wake-up call for the medical community and policymakers in Karnataka and beyond. It underscores the urgent need for enhanced education and awareness campaigns targeting both healthcare providers and the public.

Reinforcing adherence to evidence-based guidelines—prioritizing ORS and zinc—is not just good medical practice; it's a vital step in safeguarding the health of our children and preserving the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations. The fight against antibiotic resistance begins with informed and responsible prescription practices, especially for our most vulnerable patients.