Many actions have been taken in response to the widespread recognition of this risk, however in Pakistan, efforts are being made to prevent AMR and to conduct preventive measures against infections. Despite having a plan to address antimicrobial resistance, it is still out of control due to zero implementation. Speakers addressed in CME Session titled “Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): Threat to Modern Medicine” at Arag Auditorium Dow Medical College. The session was organized to observe on how to prevent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) containment. The misuse and excessive use of (AMR) endangers lives. The session raised awareness about the importance of counselling patients on the proper use of antibiotics, including how long to use them for, how to report side effects, and how to avoid self-medication. Prof. Dr Saba Sohail, Principal Dow Medical College was the chief guest of the event. Antibiotic drugs should be used only under the doctor’s instructions. Misuse of drugs is a cause of danger. These experts said that AMR is a threat that is very important to control, the important thing is that it is necessary to take some measures to prevent and deal with it. Along with the existence of plans, there is also a need to implement them strictly so that this risk can be controlled in time. Dr. Ifat Khanum Assistant Professor Infections Diseases and Program Director ID Fellowship Aga Khan, Professor Dr. Aafia Zafar Chairperson Pathology Lab Medicine Aga Khan, Dr. Samreen Sarfraz Consultant Infections Diseases ICPD Director ID Fellowship Indus Hospital, Dr. Sara Salman Head Sub Office World Health Organization Sindh addressed the seminar.
Dr Sara Salman addressed in her speech that, We need a multi-sectoral approach to prevent resistance because we have plan and goals but have failed to implement them. We also need a proper AMR surveillance system. Further, we have to take certain measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance organism. Doctors can control the irrational or traditional use of antibiotic by prescribing rational AMR (Drug), By regulating pharmaceutical companies for the quality and sales of antibiotics. No vaccinations in animals is a threat for human. If we cannot control (AMR), its consequences would be vast.
Dr Iffat Khanum another speaker at the session highlighted the importance on ‘How to prescribe right antibiotic for your patient’, with the excessive usage of antibiotic increases a patients chance of becoming colonized or infected with a resistant organism. Resistance leads to increase mortality rate. For that she explains how to choose right antibiotic by following three simple steps like diagnosing correctly, where is the infection. History and physical exam is crucial then Remember the 4 Big causes of hospital acquired infections. The Right Antibiotic at the Right Time and Right duration is not harmful. The appropriate use of an antibiotic should take into account following basic considerations: N – Necessity, E – Efficacy, S – Safety, C – Cost-effectiveness, A – Acceptability, F – Follow up, E – Education.
Another speaker Prof. Dr. Afia Zafar while addressing on the topic of ‘Burden of Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and its solutions at country level’ said. The situation is challenging but optimization is possible with everyone’s support. However, our country is not at a good place in terms of AMR prevention. The emergence and spread of AMR is a complex issue where multiple acts is playing role and interlinked. Improving diagnostic capacity to minimize antibiotic usage and vaccine development and pervasive use of available vaccine can be helpful.
Dr Samreen Sarfaraz highlighted in her speech that, Environment plays a significant role in spreading infection. However, as some individual health care professionals can prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections(HAI) through effective strategies by maintaining hygiene. HAI globally affects more than 1.4 million people. HAI spreads due to the poor sanitation and waste mis-management conditions in the hospitals.
Prof. Dr. Afia Zafar (Chairperson dept. of Pathology laboratory medicine AKUH), Dr Samreen Sarfaraz (Consultant Infectious Diseases, Chair Infection Control & Program Director ID Fellowship, Indus Hospital Karachi), Dr Iffat Khanum (Assistant Professor Infectious Diseases & Program Director ID Fellowship AKUH), Dr Sara Salman (Head of Sub-Office WHO Sindh) were the speakers at the seminar.
As a part of session, they hosted a panel discussion and Q/A session for AMR containment. Prof. Dr Amanullah Abbasi (HOD Medical Unit III) Dr Shabana Junejo and all speakers served as a panelist. Principal DUHS Professor Saba Sohail concludes her remarks on the panel discussion and presented souvenirs to the guest speakers, she expressed her gratitude for organizing such informative session and spread awareness on important issue like Anti-microbial resistance.
Dow University of Health Sciences, Department of Infectious Diseases, Dow Medical College, Dr Ruth, K.M Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi organized a CME Session themed on “Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR): Threat to Modern Medicine”. The session was organized under the leadership of Dr Azizullah Khan Dhiloo – Assistant Professor Department of Infectious Diseases, DMC & Dr Ruth K.M Pfau CHK, DUHS. And moderator Dr Farzana Batool – Consultant Dept of Infectious Diseases.
