Khaberni - The General Director of the Food and Drug Administration, Rana Obaidat, warned on Sunday of the growing phenomenon of irrational use of antibiotics, considering that their excessive consumption without controls poses a real health risk.
Obaidat pointed out during her talk on the "Voice of the Kingdom" program that antibiotic resistance has become a global warning issue, highlighting globally published studies that warn of the dangers of this path, amid expectations that antibiotic resistance will outpace other diseases in terms of health impact.
She confirmed that the institution has activated a decision that antibiotics can only be dispensed with a medical prescription, noting that she reiterated this measure after taking office. However, she emphasized that solving the problem is not limited to pharmacies, describing them as "the weakest link".
She explained that the responsibility extends to medical practices, as dispensing antibiotics should not be based on a formal prescription, but on a diagnosis built on a lab test and culture that proves the bacteria's response to the specific antibiotic.
Obaidat revealed that the institution is working on strengthening regulatory measures through an upcoming second circular, which will mandate attaching a laboratory report to the medical prescription before dispensing antibiotics, a step aimed at controlling random use and reducing the chances of exacerbating antibiotic resistance.
She clarified that the widespread community use of antibiotics has contributed to the emergence of cases that do not respond to treatment in some health institutions, which she considered a predictable result of this pattern of consumption.
She pointed out that the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) issue is receiving international attention and is being embraced by the World Health Organization as part of its efforts to address future health risks, stressing that dealing with this phenomenon requires a partnership between regulatory bodies, the health sector, and citizens, as well as a change in the culture of quickly resorting to antibiotics for every health symptom, especially in children.
She affirmed the existence of a clear action plan to address this issue, emphasizing that the institution will not be satisfied with the current controls, but is moving towards more stringent measures to ensure the safe and responsible use of antibiotics.
