Due in part to the widespread and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, Pakistan is particularly prone to the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms. Antibiotics are frequently available without a prescription over the counter, enabling people to self-medicate without considering the risks.
Antibiotics are occasionally recommended without the necessary diagnostics, such as blood testing to establish whether the infection is bacterial, even when given by medical professionals. Antibiotic resistance is further fueled by the widespread prescription of antibiotics by medical professionals for viral infections, when such treatments are wholly ineffectual.
Given the burden on Pakistan’s healthcare facilities, the superbug outbreak is a serious concern. Patients with drug-resistant bacterial infections need more involved and costly treatments, adding to the already overworked healthcare system.
