JAKARTA - Pattimura University microbiology expert Prof. Joseph Pagaya proposed that the Maluku Provincial Health Office (Dinkes) tighten supervision of the sale of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription to prevent an increase in cases of antibiotic resistance in the archipelago.
"The use of antibiotics without indication and without medical supervision will accelerate the occurrence of resistance. This is a silent threat that can make simple infections difficult or even untreatable," said Professor of Microbiology at Pattimura University as reported by ANTARA.
He said the practice of using antibiotics without a prescription was still rampant in Maluku and was one of the main factors in the increase in drug-resistant bacteria, which had a serious impact on public health.
"National data, he said, showed that more than 40 percent of Indonesian people obtained antibiotics without a prescription, while Maluku was one of the provinces with a figure above the national average.
"The geographical conditions of the islands, limited access to health services, and weak supervision of drug distribution, he said, exacerbated the situation.
According to him, antibiotics should only be used for bacterial infections with the right dose and duration.
However, he said. in the field, the public often takes antibiotics for viral diseases, stops the drug prematurely, or buys it freely at pharmacies and drug kiosks.
"Every irrational use of antibiotics puts pressure on bacteria to adapt and become resistant. The impact is not only on individuals, but on the entire health system," he said.
He emphasized the importance of the role of the Health Office together with BPOM and professional organizations to carry out routine supervision of pharmacies, drug stores, and health service facilities so as not to sell antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
He also encouraged the strengthening of education to the public and health workers regarding the dangers of antibiotic resistance as well as the importance of using drugs wisely and responsibly.
"Control of antibiotic resistance must be a common agenda. Local governments, academics, health workers, and the community need to synergize so that Maluku does not enter the post-antibiotic era," he said.
He said that controlling antibiotic resistance in Maluku needed to be adjusted to the characteristics of the archipelago through strengthening surveillance, increasing the capacity of microbiology laboratories, and implementing a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health.
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