Health service promotes responsible use of antibiotics

THE Pharmacy department of the regional Health ministry is launching a campaign aimed at both members of the public and the medical profession to encourage the sensible use of antibiotics.

According to a recent survey in the Balearics, one in every five people are getting the medication they think they need from pharmacies as opposed to going through a doctor. Women are apparently more likely to do so than men. The aim of the campaign is to educate people in the correct use of antibiotics and to help the medical profession by making people more aware of the consequences of using them inappropriately. One of the key warnings about overuse is that the body will eventually get used to a particular antibiotic, rendering it less effective at a time when it is needed to kill infection. Another widespread misunderstanding is that antibiotics can cure colds, which they cannot. Information leaflets will be distributed and posters put up at health centres, hospitals, private clinics and dentists to promote the campaign.