Antibiotic resistance in India has reached alarming levels, posing a significant threat to public health and finances. A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and published in BMJ Open reveals that treating drug-resistant bacterial infections in private hospitals costs substantially more than treating drug-susceptible infections. Pharmaceuticals, ICU stays, and the use of advanced antibiotics are driving these costs, leaving many families financially strained.
A Costly Battle Against Superbugs
• Treating drug-resistant infections in private hospitals costs approximately $3,382, compared to $215 in charity-run hospitals.
• The incremental cost for resistant infections in private hospitals is 10.7% higher than for drug-susceptible infections.
• Pharmaceuticals are the primary contributors to rising costs, followed by the need for prolonged ICU stays and expensive newer drugs.
• Misuse of antibiotics in communities and poultry farming is accelerating resistance, making these infections increasingly common outside hospitals.
Dr. Kamini Walia, senior ICMR scientist and co-author of the study, noted, “While the costs of treating infections in India are already significant, the financial burden becomes much heavier when dealing with drug-resistant pathogens.”
Families on the Brink of Collapse
• 46.5% of families resorted to borrowing money to meet the high treatment costs for resistant infections.
• 33.1% experienced “grade 2 financial toxicity,” depleting their savings to cover medical expenses.
• Some families had to reduce food consumption to divert funds toward treatment.
• Severe financial strain led 11.4% of families dealing with drug-resistant infections to sell or mortgage their assets, compared to 9.8% for susceptible infections.
• These rising costs underline the pressing need for antibiotic stewardship programs to curb resistance and reduce financial burdens on families.
By addressing this crisis with sustained efforts, the healthcare system can mitigate the devastating impact of antimicrobial resistance on families and institutions alike.
Access the full article here: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/12/e086505
