Dr Atul Goel, director general of health services (DGHS), under the health ministry, has urged doctors across states and Union Territories (UT) to mention the exact indication, reason and justification while prescribing antibiotics to the patients.
Dr Goel has also asked pharmacists to stop selling these drugs over the counter, without a medical practitioner’s valid prescription. The ministry has issued the strong directive to all medical associations and pharmacists’ networks through a letter written by Dr Goel on 1 January.