South Asia
In India, CDDEP is setting up a study to quantify antibiotic use in a rural setting, and investigate how antibiotics dispensed differ from those prescribed through our Global Antibitoic Resistance Partnership. We are also evaluating the impact on prescribing behavior of an intervention providing feedback to doctors on their antibiotic prescribing practices relative to their peers. A comprehensive survey of research already completed in India, in consultation with an expert committee made up of leaders in related fields in India, identified the need for studies that can measure the effect of individual interventions, and characterize the problem in rural areas.
The Government of India has launched a program, called Jan Aushadhi, to open generic drug stores in every district of India and make essential medicines available at affordable prices. By September 2009, twenty generic drug stores had been opened at in public facilities where the government is meant to provide free or cheap medicines to the population. These stores sell limited numbers of generic medicines including antibiotics manufactured by five recently revived public sector drug manufacturing units. However, some stores report being supplied with a mixture of drugs that does not correspond with demand, leading to stockouts while other medicines languish on the shelves and do not bring in any revenue. Some also doubt the quality of generic medicines sold at these public facilities, leading doctors to write prescriptions for outside facilities.
Two major reports on health in India include Choosing Health: An entitlement for all Indians, and Closing India's Nutrition Gap: The Role of Golden Mustard in Fighting Vitamin A Deficiency.
