Could the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant infections in India be attributed to overuse and the unrestricted access to medications without a prescription? Which monitoring and control systems are currently in place? Examine the many topics involved critically (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Model Answer Introduction The Government of India has prioritized agriculture and primary sector lending, increasing fund allocations over the years. However, a study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that only about 3% of the credit offtake reserved for the primary sector is utilized by smRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Government of India has prioritized agriculture and primary sector lending, increasing fund allocations over the years. However, a study by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that only about 3% of the credit offtake reserved for the primary sector is utilized by small and medium farmers. Instead, large farmers and agriculture-based industries have become the primary beneficiaries of expanded credit. This highlights the need for alternative credit mechanisms, such as cooperative societies.
Reasons Why Banks Struggle to Finance Agriculture
- Lack of Documentation
- Many small and marginal farmers lack the necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation required by banks, making it difficult for them to access loans. In contrast, cooperative societies maintain detailed records of their members, allowing them to forgo complex documentation requirements.
- Unpredictability of Agriculture
- Agriculture is inherently unpredictable, with crop failures due to inadequate irrigation or erratic monsoons leading to significant distress in rural communities. While banks often resort to dispossession for loan recovery, cooperative societies typically seek alternative recovery methods that consider the farmers’ circumstances.
- Accessibility of Local Moneylenders
- Local moneylenders are more accessible for small farmers, despite charging high-interest rates. The urgency of adopting Green Revolution techniques, which require substantial capital, forces farmers to rely on these lenders, often sacrificing their financial stability.
- Limited Financial Returns for Banks
- Agricultural lending does not yield significant profits for banks, leading to inadequate services for rural clients. The risk of farm loan waivers further complicates recovery efforts, deterring banks from engaging with agricultural credit.
Conclusion
In rural areas, cooperative societies serve as an ideal credit organization, addressing the unique needs of local farmers. They have deep community roots, enabling better-targeted coverage and improved loan recovery. While formal banking is essential, banks must develop tailored products for rural credit, leveraging technology to enhance accessibility and reduce transaction costs. By doing so, they can effectively support the agricultural sector and empower local economies.
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Model Answer Introduction Overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription significantly contribute to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India. This issue, known as antibiotic resistance, poses a severe global health threat. Contributors to Drug Resistance OveruRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
Overuse and free availability of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription significantly contribute to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India. This issue, known as antibiotic resistance, poses a severe global health threat.
Contributors to Drug Resistance
Overuse of Antibiotics
Unnecessary use of antibiotics, particularly for viral infections, accelerates resistance. For example, antibiotics are often misprescribed for common colds, which are viral in nature and not treatable with antibiotics (World Health Organization, 2021).
Availability Without Prescription
In many regions of India, antibiotics can be purchased easily without a prescription, fostering self-medication. This practice leads to misuse and incorrect dosing, further contributing to resistance (National Centre for Disease Control, 2020).
Incomplete Courses
Patients often fail to complete prescribed courses of antibiotics, allowing some bacteria to survive and develop resistance, complicating future treatments (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).
Mechanisms for Monitoring and Control
Schedule H1
India has classified certain antibiotics under Schedule H1, mandating pharmacists to keep records of sales and prescriptions. This regulation aims to control distribution but often lacks effective enforcement (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 2019).
National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR)
The Indian government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has initiated the NAP-AMR to combat antimicrobial resistance. However, its efficacy is hampered by poor implementation and lack of public awareness (WHO, 2022).
Issues Involved
Lack of Awareness
Public ignorance regarding proper antibiotic usage and the consequences of misuse is widespread. Many individuals are unaware of the dangers posed by self-medication.
Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure
The shortage of healthcare professionals, especially in rural areas, forces individuals to self-medicate, exacerbating misuse (Indian Medical Association, 2021).
Poor Regulation
Despite existing regulations, many pharmacies continue to sell antibiotics without prescriptions, undermining efforts to manage antibiotic use effectively.
Agricultural Use
The indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry and aquaculture further contributes to resistance, as these substances enter the human food chain (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2020).
Conclusion
The overuse and unrestricted availability of antibiotics without prescriptions are significant contributors to drug-resistant diseases in India. Although mechanisms for control exist, their effectiveness is undermined by various systemic issues. Addressing these challenges is essential to combat the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance.
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