Medical professionals in Bengaluru are sounding the alarm over a dangerous new trend that is undermining public health: the easy availability of prescription-only antibiotics through quick commerce applications. This practice, which allows consumers to bypass mandatory doctor consultations, is accelerating the misuse of critical drugs and contributing to the global menace of antimicrobial resistance.
The Alarming Ease of Access on Delivery Apps
Several popular quick-delivery platforms, which promise everything from groceries to electronics within minutes, have quietly become a source for potent antibiotics. Investigations and doctor reports confirm that medicines like Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, and Doxycycline are being delivered to doorsteps without any requirement for a valid prescription. This direct-to-consumer model effectively sidesteps the regulatory framework designed to control the distribution of such drugs.
Doctors point out that this is not a minor loophole but a significant breach of pharmacy laws. The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, clearly mandate that Schedule H and H1 drugs, which include most antibiotics, cannot be sold without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The convenience of these apps is creating a scenario where individuals self-diagnose and self-medicate, often with inappropriate drugs or incorrect dosages.
Public Health Consequences and the Superbug Threat
The immediate risks of this unchecked access are severe. Patients may take antibiotics for viral infections like the common cold or flu, where they are completely ineffective. This not only fails to treat the illness but also exposes the patient to unnecessary side effects. More critically, it drives the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, commonly known as superbugs.
"When antibiotics are used incorrectly—whether the wrong type, wrong dose, or wrong duration—bacteria learn to survive them," explains a concerned physician. "This makes common infections harder and sometimes impossible to treat, leading to longer illnesses, higher medical costs, and increased mortality." The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly flagged antimicrobial resistance as one of the top ten global public health threats.
Call for Stricter Enforcement and Public Awareness
The medical community in Bengaluru is urging immediate action from regulatory bodies, including the Drugs Control Department and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). They demand stricter monitoring and enforcement of existing laws on digital platforms. Some suggest that apps must be required to integrate verified digital prescription systems before processing orders for scheduled drugs.
Simultaneously, doctors emphasize the need for a massive public awareness campaign. Citizens must understand that antibiotics are not over-the-counter commodities but powerful tools that require expert guidance. The culture of seeking instant solutions through apps, while convenient for shopping, becomes perilous when applied to healthcare.
In conclusion, the intersection of quick commerce and healthcare delivery has exposed a critical vulnerability. While technology promises convenience, its application in the pharmaceutical sector without robust safeguards is fostering a silent health crisis. The warnings from Bengaluru's doctors serve as a crucial reminder that some shortcuts, especially concerning antibiotics, can have long-lasting and dangerous consequences for society at large.
