NPS: resistance is a priority
March 13, 2013
GLOBALLY, antibiotic resistance is
one of the greatest threats to
human health, according to CEO of
NPS MedicineWise, Lynn Weekes.
The statement came as part of the
launch of NPS’ policy priorities in
Canberra this week.
“Fighting antibiotic resistance is
crucial to the health of the Australian
community, and forms a key part of
our policy priorities,” Weekes said.
The NPS’ national policy paper
offers four solutions to antibiotic
resistance in Australia, including the
development and implementation
of a comprehensive national action
plan for fighting antimicrobial
resistance in Australia, taking into
consideration the multiple
sources which contribute to its
development and spread.
The second recommendation
includes the implementation of a
nationwide antimicrobial
surveillance program, to inform the
development of policies and
prescribing guidelines where
appropriate on the type and
incidence of resistant bacteria in
their local area/population.
Thirdly, the report recommends
the consideration of additional
research and development funding
for new treatments for antibioticresistant
infections.
The last recommendation advocates
the continued education of
prescribers to ensure that they adhere
to the recommended guidelines for
appropriate antibiotic treatment as
well as consumer education on the
dangers of antibiotic resistance and
the actions they can take to reduce
its development and spread.
“Reducing the development and
spread of antibiotic resistance in
the Australian community will have
multiple benefits in terms of
population health and reducing
healthcare costs,” the report said.
“All Australians will benefit from a
reduced risk of contracting
infections caused by resistant
bacteria and a reduced incidence of
taking antibiotics unnecessarily.
“Health professionals will benefit
from less requests for antibiotics as
consumers will be better informed
of the risk associated with misusing
these precious medicines, and will
also benefit from better data on
which to base their prescribing
decisions,” the report added.
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