India largest buyer of antibiotics: Study

Washington: India has emerged as the world’s largest consumer of antibiotics followed by China and the US, a new study which quantifies the growing alarm surrounding antibiotic-resistance said.

Global use of antibiotics is surging, according to Princeton University researchers who have conducted a broad assessment of antibiotic consumption.

The study, “Global Trends in Antibiotic Consumption, 2000-2010,” found that worldwide antibiotic use has risen a staggering 36 per cent over those 10 years, with BRICS countries — responsible for more than three-quarters of that surge.

Overall, the study reviewed patterns, seasonality and frequency of use of antibiotics in 71 countries.