24 Nov 2017

Worries in Samoa about illegal use of anti-biotics

8:11 am on 24 November 2017

The illegal use of antibiotics is causing concern in Samoa, prompting a warning from the Minister of Health to stop the practice.

Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama said there was concern that patients are not seeing a medical doctor but are using connections with family and friends to get the drugs.

It turns out that the age old advice from medical experts about finishing all of the antibiotics prescribed might be wrong.

Photo: Public Domain

Talamua News Service reported the warning came after a steady increase in the number of micro-organisms or bacteria that are resistant to antibiotic treatment.

The minister said the practice of using other patients prescribed medication was a major concern, as it meant the patient given the prescription did not complete their given dosage.

The ministry said this can cause some bacteria to become immune to antibiotics.