An Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study reveals a 33% surge in medical expenses due to drug-resistant infections. These infections, caused by pathogens immune to antibiotics and conventional drugs, extend recovery periods, elevate mortality rates, and financially overwhelm families.
Alarming Costs
Curing resistant infections is significantly costlier, averaging $1,238 versus $827 for treatable cases. In government facilities, expenses for resistant cases reach $199.2, nearly double the $108.5 for non-resistant ones. Private hospitals report steeper figures—$3,382 for resistant infections compared to $3,019.
Prolonged Stays and Higher Fatalities
Patients battling drug-resistant infections are hospitalized for an average of 23 days, nearly twice the duration of those with treatable infections. Fatalities are also stark, with 29.5% of resistant cases proving deadly compared to 20% in non-resistant cases.
Heavy Financial Toll
Over 45% of families affected by resistant infections resort to loans, while many sell assets or withdraw children from school to cover expenses. This highlights the devastating economic impact on households, especially in a country where most healthcare costs are paid out-of-pocket.
Call to Action
To combat antimicrobial resistance, experts recommend limiting self-medication, completing prescribed antibiotic courses, enforcing strict infection control, and raising public awareness. Proper waste disposal by pharmaceutical firms can also curb environmental contamination.
The ICMR study emphasizes that immediate action is vital to mitigate this health and financial crisis.
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