Guwahati: An awareness programme held at NEMCARE Group of Institutions in Mirza on November 20 underscored growing global concerns over antimicrobial resistance, warning that misuse of antibiotics may soon pose a deadlier threat than cancer. The event was organised as part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2025 by the Commissionerate of Food and Drugs Administration under the Assam Health Department, in collaboration with the institution’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell.
Speaking at the programme, Dean of Studies and noted author Dr Bhargab Jyoti Sahariah described antimicrobial resistance as a looming global crisis. He referenced projections by the World Health Organization, which suggest that antibiotic resistance could surpass cancer-related fatalities by 2050. Dr Sahariah criticised widespread self-medication and the routine purchase of antibiotics without medical supervision, calling the practice “slow suicide.” He cautioned that incomplete or irregular antibiotic courses weaken immunity and fuel the evolution of resistant microbes, making future treatments ineffective.
Chief guest Biswajit Talukdar, Drugs Controller and Licensing Authority of Assam, stressed that pharmacies must not dispense antibiotics without valid prescriptions. He urged doctors to discourage unnecessary use of antimicrobial medicines and encouraged stricter compliance with prescription protocols to prevent misuse.
During the session, Consultant Microbiologist Dr Meghna Gogoi highlighted how bacteria have increasingly adapted to survive modern medicines, making antimicrobial resistance one of the most urgent health concerns. She advised the audience to avoid antibiotics unless medically essential and said awareness is the most effective tool in combating microbial threats.
The event gathered officials, healthcare professionals and regulators, including representatives from the Assam Government Drugs Testing Laboratory and the Drugs Inspectors of Kamrup Rural and Metropolitan districts. Faculty members from NEMCARE Group of Institutions were also present.
Certificates and prizes were awarded to winners of essay and poster competitions held on 19 November. Students later performed a one-act play illustrating the consequences of antibiotic misuse, drawing strong engagement from the audience. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Apurba Talukdar, Deputy Registrar (Academics), acknowledging the efforts of faculty, students and organisers in promoting public health awareness.
