Kazakhstan is tightening control over the sale of antibiotics without a prescription. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
According to the Ministry of Healthcare, up to 700,000 people die annually worldwide from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050, the number of such deaths could reach 40 million.
Kazakhstan is implementing a Roadmap on measures to curb antimicrobial resistance in the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period up to 2027. Despite the measures taken, a number of issues remain unresolved, such as uncontrolled use of antibiotics, illegal drug sales, and insufficient information and awareness work.
"The problem of uncontrolled use of antibiotics requires special attention: despite existing restrictions, antibacterial drugs continue to be sold without a doctor's prescription, including through online services and digital platforms. This, in turn, contributes to an increase in self-medication cases and antibiotic resistance," the statement said.
Therefore, control over the dispensing of antibacterial drugs without a prescription will be strengthened, the use of the drug labeling system will be expanded, and priority will be given to the registration of antibiotics with a low risk of developing resistance.