The effectiveness of antibiotics has long contributed to people overusing, even abusing, them in China. A recent report shows the scale of the over-use is astounding. The good news is the trend has been reversing in recent years, thanks to a series of national regulations and guidelines. But is it enough?
Antibiotics –many hailed as "miracle drugs" in treating infectious diseases.
Their effectiveness has led to widespread popularity, and sometimes overuse, worldwide.
In China, antibiotics are prescribed liberally in hospitals, and can also be bought over-the-counter.
A new study shows China, with a fifth of the world’s population, accounts for half of the world’s consumption of antibiotics – 162,000 tons in 2013, nearly half of it consumed by humans.
Professor Ying Guangguo of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry led the study.
"There’s overuse and misuse in hospitals and small clinics. So the usage of antibiotics per person in China is much higher than that in other developing countries. I think it’s 6 times higher," Professor of geochemistry Ying Guangguo said.
A major concern about the overuse of antibiotics is that it can prompt bacteria to develop resistance.
Some antibiotics have also been associated with side effects, including nausea, rashes and damage to the central nervous system.
Dr. Zheng Bo of Peking University First Hospital says the campaign to limit prescribing antibiotics in major hospitals in big cities has led to a significant drop in their use.
Most notably at his hospital - the amount used in surgery dropped from 90 percent in 2006 to just over 30 percent last year.
He says the curve is representative of a national trend.
"China has introduced a series of regulatory guidelines to crack down on antibiotic overuse. Thanks to this national campaign, I think the prescription and consumption of the drugs are becoming more and more scientific," Infectious diseases specialist Zheng Bo said.
Equally important is the education of the public on the effect of antibiotics.
The best advice, says Professor Zheng, is to consult with a doctor before taking the drugs.