Feasibility and effectiveness of a low cost campaign on antibiotic prescribing in Italy: community level, controlled, non-randomised trial

Antibiotics prescription and antibiotics availability over the counters are immense problems for any country. It is a major issue for India also. The prescribing pen of the physician is influenced by the lure of pharmaceutical companies and the perks gained through the pharmacy shops. Apart from these influences the patient demand for a speedy treatment without antibiotic sensitivity tests makes prescription of antibiotics forced on the doctor. Over the counter sale of antibiotics without prescription adds up to antibiotic resistance. Teaching and dissemination of true information regarding prescription and sale of antibiotics do require immediate attention. Such an approach will help develop responsible prescribing habit for the physicians as well as save patients from over exposure to higher generation antibiotics. non governmental organizations, primary health care centers, municipal or corporation hospitals can take up such issues to educate the public and save them from developing antibiotic resistance. The present study provides the design for carrying out such study in other parts of the world also.