The Bahrain Shura Council yesterday passed a law aimed at developing a national action plan to combat antibiotic-resistant microbes. This crucial development comes as a response to the growing global threat posed by antimicrobial resistance.
Council Speaker HE Ali bin Saleh Al-Saleh chaired the proceedings where the proposed law was discussed. The law, presented by Dr. Jameela Mohamed Redha Mohamed Hasan Al Salman and four other MPs, seeks to amend certain provisions of the Public Health Law of 2018.
Dr. Al Salman emphasised the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to address antibiotic-resistant microbes, which pose a grave danger to human health, animals, plants, and the environment. She underscored the importance of aligning with international efforts, including those advocated by the World Health Organization, to tackle this pressing issue.
The proposed law mandates the Ministry of Health to develop a national action plan that includes strategies for combating antimicrobial resistance. It also focuses on raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public about the consequences of microbial resistance to antibiotics.
After thorough deliberation and consideration of the committee’s recommendation, the Shura Council unanimously approved the proposed law. It has been referred to the government to be formulated into a draft law, signalling a significant step forward in Bahrain’s efforts to address antimicrobial resistance effectively.
Untreatable cases
During the discussion yesterday, MP Dr. Ebtesam Mohamed Saleh Al Dalal said antibiotic resistance stems primarily from genetic mutations in microbes, making them less effective in treating infections, leading to a rise in untreatable cases.
She referenced the World Health Organisation’s identification of antibiotic resistance as a major concern back in 2019, revealing that despite advancements in clinical development, there are currently no new antibiotics available.
She warned that the absence of effective antibiotics exacerbates the danger posed by infections, especially those caused by bacteria resistant to existing treatments. “Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat to global health,” Dr. Al Dalal stated. “We must prioritise efforts to address this issue through research, education, and effective healthcare policies.”
Stringent policies
MP Dr. Hani Ali Abdulrahman Mahmood Alsaati, while agreeing with the call for increased awareness, pointed out the need for stringent policies and monitoring mechanisms to ensure responsible prescribing practices among medical service providers and institutions. Reflecting on recent events during the COVID-19 pandemic, Alsaati highlighted a significant overuse of antibiotics, leading to the emergence of drug-resistant fungi and bacteria in hospitals.
This has not only prolonged hospital stays but also strained healthcare resources and exacerbated economic burdens, the MP said. Alsaati concluded by urging the executive branch to take decisive action in controlling antibiotic use and establishing policies for healthcare institutions.
He emphasised the importance of monitoring and enforcing these policies to mitigate the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, placing responsibility squarely on medical service providers and institutions to uphold best practices.
