PM Narendra Modi has raised serious concerns about the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in India. In his final Mann Ki Baat radio address of 2025, aired on December 28, the Prime Minister warned that the careless use of antibiotics is making these life-saving medicines less effective. He referred to recent studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which show rising resistance to antibiotics commonly used to treat infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
PM Modi urged people not to take antibiotics without consulting a doctor. He said that misuse and overuse of these medicines could make even small infections difficult to treat in the future. He also stressed the need for better awareness and responsible behaviour when it comes to using medicines.
Antibiotic resistance has become a major public health challenge in India. According to ICMR reports, many commonly used antibiotics are no longer working as well as they used to. This means infections that were once easy to cure are now taking longer to heal and, in some cases, becoming dangerous or even life-threatening.
Explaining the causes, Dr Sudha Vinod Menon, Director of Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital in Bengaluru, said antibiotic resistance mainly happens due to misuse. Many people take antibiotics without medical advice, stop the medicine as soon as they feel better, or use leftover tablets for minor problems like cold and sore throat. These illnesses are usually viral and do not need antibiotics at all.
Such practices allow bacteria to survive and change, making them stronger and harder to kill in the future. As a result, doctors find it more difficult to treat infections that were once simple.
When antibiotics stop working, even minor infections can become serious. Patients may need stronger drugs, longer hospital stays, or treatment through injections, which increases health risks and medical costs. Children, elderly people, and those with weak immunity face greater danger in such situations.
Doctors advise that antibiotics should only be taken when prescribed by a qualified medical professional. Patients must follow the dosage instructions carefully and complete the full course, even if they start feeling better. Avoiding self-medication and not pressuring doctors for antibiotics are also important steps.
Experts say that public awareness, responsible medicine use, and better infection control can help slow antibiotic resistance. Without timely action, common infections could become major health threats in the coming years.
