BPOM Reminds 'Naughty' Pharmacies Selling Antibiotics Without A Doctor's Recipe, Stop Or Take Action!

The Batam City Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) reminded pharmacies not to sell antibiotics without a doctor's prescription to prevent abuse and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

Head of BPOM Batam, Ully Mandasari, said that the results of supervision in the field showed that the percentage of sales of antibiotics without prescriptions was still quite high in his area.

Therefore, his party together with stakeholders are aggressively monitoring the circulation of antibiotics in pharmacies, health centers, and hospitals.

The statement was made after antimicrobial resistance prevention activities at Wan Seri Beni Hall, Dompak Island, Tanjungpinang City, Thursday, November 20.

"That's why we, together with stakeholders, are involved in intensively monitoring the circulation of antibiotics, both in pharmacies, health centers and hospitals," said Ully as quoted by Antara.

Ully emphasized that antibiotics, which are classified as hard drugs with the 'K' logo, can only be sold at official pharmacies and must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription. If sales are found without a prescription, BPOM will take action from reprimands to guidance to business actors or those in charge of drugs.

"Oknum yang tertapatan menjual antibiotic secara ilegal akan ditindaktutjuti sesuai prosedur hukum, karena BPOM punya penyidik bidang obat dan makanan," ungkapnya.

The use of antibiotics without a prescription has the potential to cause resistance, namely the condition when bacteria become immune to drugs consumed. According to Ully, antibiotic resistance is a global problem because it reduces the effectiveness of the treatment of infectious diseases and becomes a public health threat.

"The use of antibiotics must be in accordance with the SOP. For example, in the recipe there are 15 tablets, so you have to drink them up even though they have recovered," he said.

Ully invites all elements of local government, health professional organizations, the public, students, and the media to play an active role in supervising and providing education about the use of correct antibiotics. He emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration so that resistance control runs effectively.

In addition, the public is advised to be wiser and health workers are more disciplined in writing and submitting recipes. BPOM also encourages massive socialization and education to the public regarding the rules and dangers of antibiotic abuse.