Self-medication In the vast majority of countries, antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor and supplied by a pharmacy. Self-medication by consumers is defined as "the taking of medicines on one's own initiative or on another person's suggestion, who is not a certified medical professional", and it has been identified as one of the primary reasons for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. Self-medication with antibiotics is an unsuitable way of using them but a common practice in resource-constrained countries. The practice exposes individuals to the risk of bacteria that have developed antimicrobial resistance. Many people resort to this out of necessity, when access to a physician is unavailable, or when patients have a limited amount of time or money to see a doctor. This increased access makes it extremely easy to obtain antimicrobials. An example is India, where in the state of Punjab 73% of the population resorted to treating their minor health issues and chronic illnesses through self-medication.
Self-medication In the vast majority of countries antibiotics can only be prescribed by a doctor and supplied by a pharmacy Self-medication by consumers is defined as "the taking of medicines on one's own initiative or on another person's suggestion who is not a certified medical professional" and it has been identified as one of the primary reasons for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance Self-medication with antibiotics is an unsuitable way of using them but a common practice in resource-constrained countries The practice exposes individuals to the risk of bacteria that have developed antimicrobial resistance Many people resort to this out of necessity when access to a physician is unavailable or when patients have a limited amount of time or money to see a doctor This increased access makes it extremely easy to obtain antimicrobials An example is India where in the state of Punjab 73% of the population resorted to treating their minor health issues and chronic illnesses through self-medication