CIM Supports the DOH Antimicrobial Stewardship
ProgramAntibiotic resistance is fast becoming a public health problem in all parts of the world with a growing number of infections now being difficult, and sometimes, impossible to treat since antibiotics have become less effective. Bacteria that cause common infectious diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and foodborne diseases have acquired new resistance mechanisms that were not known before.
The dispensing and use of antibiotics without a health professional’s prescription has worsened the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, in many places in the world, antibiotics are prescribed and used even when they are not necessary, that is, they are misused and overused, which worsens antibiotic resistance.
Thus, improving the use of antibiotics is of paramount concern for patients, health professionals and the general public as well as a priority for all countries.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs are hospital-based programs that aim to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobials, including antibiotics, reduce microbial resistance, optimize the treatment of infections, reduce adverse events and treatment failures, and decrease the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. These programs improve the quality of patient care and improve patient safety.
In the Philippines, the Department of Health has come up with the “Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Hospitals, Manual of Procedures, 2016” which embodies a concerted multidisciplinary approach that addresses inappropriate and indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents and lays down guidelines on rational prescribing, dispensing and use of antimicrobials in health facilities.
The Manual can be accessed through this link. http://amr.moh.gov.vn/en/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Manual-procedures-AMS-in-hospital-2016.pdf
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