 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
| If you are interested in receiving the
copy of the newsletter, do write to us. Join our nework. |
|
|
|
|
|
THE
FOCUS IS ON THE MISUSE AND RESISTANCE OF ANTIBIOTICS |
Putting off the
threat
 The growing threat of the irrational
and irregular use of antibiotics and the resultant resistance to them is a now a cause of
major concern. In 1981, the Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics (APUA), a
non-profit organisation with headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, USA was set up. The
main objective of APUA is to promote the proper usage of antibiotics and at the same time,
work towards curbing antibiotic resistance worldwide.
APUA has affiliated chapters in over 20 countries and a scientific
membership represented by around 90 countries. The objectives of APUA are fulfilled
through education and awareness programmes. Ongoing research and surveillance is a major
activity undertaken by APUA. It is through its wide network of global chapters that APUA
builds national capacity in the area of antibiotic use and resistance research and
education. Experts in the field of medicine, microbiology, health education, and policy
analysis form part of the professional staff of APUA. People drawn from the field of
ecology, communications and international programme development are also associated with
APUA.
APUA works in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO),
the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), US Agency for International Development
(USAID) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) Atlanta, USA. It also
networks with the local health ministry of the country.
The Indian chapter of APUA was established in 1996. Doctors from the
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi provide the main leadership. J
S Bapna, from the Health and Pharmaceutical Management Unit of the Indian Institute of
Health Management and Research (IIHMR), Jaipur, has been associated with APUA-India
chapter since a long time. Through its various programmes of education and advocacy,
APUA-India reaches out to the medical community, consumers, researchers and policy makers.
J S Bapna can be reached at:
Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR)
1, Prabhudayal Marg, Airport Road, Jaipur 302 011
Ph: 0141-791431/32/34 or 581433
E-mail: jbapna@iihmr.org
Educating
people
 The Delhi Society for Promotion of
Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD) is a non-governmental organisation, which has been
promoting rational use of drugs in India both in the public and private sectors. One way
of doing this is by developing methods for improving availability and accessibility of
safe and effective drugs. DSPRUD also develops methods for good quality control and
assurance of drugs. Emphasis is given on improving procurement, storage and distribution
of drugs.
It carries out health education programmes with particular reference to
the use of medicines so that rational prescribing of drugs can be effected. In addition it
also conducts research and monitoring on all aspects of drug use. Studies are carried out
on the impact of educational intervention programmes on prescribing behaviour of
physicians with focus on antibiotic use of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and
diarrhoea at health centres. DSPRUD also helps in formulating Standard Treatment
Guidelines in clinical practices.
In pursuance of their objectives, they have launched several
activities. The India-World Health Organisation (WHO) Essential Programme works on the
development of a drug policy; selection of a list of essential drugs; establishment of a
pooled procurement system; development of a quality assurance system; promotion of
rational prescribing; providing drug information to patients; and advising the public
about proper use of medicines.
Training forms an integral part of the organisation. Training
programmes focus on promoting awareness of rational use of drugs amongst medical
professionals. The organisation works in tandem with the government and organises training
programme for their officials to. Other activities include consultancy on drug management,
supplies and publications related to drug use.
Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhury,
President of DSPRUD can be contacted at:
Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs (DSPRUD)
National Institute of Immunology,
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg,
New Delhi 110067
Ph: 011- 6715256/ 6165776
Email: dsprud@satyam.net.in |
|
