The Department of Health launched a new way of warning the public against taking antibiotics not prescribed by physicians, with the help of the National Telecommunications Commission and Globe Telecom.
The department is sending text advisories on the possible harm of such misuse.
The message is sent in Filipino.
Translated, it runs: “Do you borrow other people’s prescription to buy antibiotics when you do not feel well? Frequent taking of antibiotics not prescribed by doctors will make the antibiotics lose its efficacy against infections and even cause death.”
The DoH said the sick must see a doctor and get their own prescription.
The World Health Organization noted that misuse and abuse of antibiotics can lead to anti-microbial resistance (AMR) that opposes the prevention and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.
The DoH also spreads awareness of the dangers of unprescribed antibiotics through its Facebook posts and videos.
