A review on Antibiotic Policy and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (AMSP) – Need of the hour

Abstract

Emerging trends of antimicrobial resistance and development of multidrug resistance and pan resistant strains have become a significant public health problem worldwide. The rate at which newer drugs are developing has slowed down and clinicians are left with only limited therapeutic options for treatment of the patient. We are heading towards the pre antibiotic discovery phase where mortality was high due to unavailability of appropriate drugs; however, in current situation due to misuse or over use of antibiotics, microbes have developed newer methods of resistance, thus rendering these antimicrobials ineffective in their action which has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality among patient and increase in the health care expenditure. Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a major public health problem of international concern. As there is alarming situation globally due to development of multi and pan resistant bacteria which are also known as superbugs, these superbugs have resulted in havoc as these infections are not treatable and is of great concern to the treating physician. Judicious use of antibiotics and implementation of antibiotic stewardship program are the only ways to combat the current situation. The present review aims to provide information on framing of antibiotic policy and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship program.