What's Happening?
A study reveals that nearly 80% of Bhubaneswar residents self-medicate without consulting doctors, posing significant health risks. The practice is prevalent among younger individuals and those from higher
socioeconomic backgrounds. Self-medication often involves antibiotics and other drugs, leading to potential resistance and adverse reactions. The study highlights the role of pharmacies and online sources in promoting self-medication, and calls for increased public awareness and education to address the issue.
Why It's Important?
The high rate of self-medication in Bhubaneswar reflects broader challenges in healthcare access and education. This trend can lead to serious health consequences, including drug resistance and complications from improper medication use. Addressing this issue is crucial for public health, requiring a multi-pronged approach involving education, regulation, and collaboration with tech platforms to provide accurate health information. The findings underscore the need for improved healthcare accessibility and patient education to prevent self-medication-related health crises.
