Rising Costs of Drug-Resistant Infections

January 4, 2025

Drug-resistant infections present challenge to healthcare systems. A recent study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reveals that these infections not only prolong hospital stays but also increase treatment costs by an average of 33.1%. This research marks the economic burden faced by families and the healthcare system in India, particularly in both government and private hospitals.

About Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens evolve to survive despite the presence of drugs designed to kill them. This resistance complicates the treatment of common infections, leading to increased hospitalisation rates and extended stays. The ICMR study analysed 1,723 patient records from eight hospitals, providing critical vital information about the financial implications of AMR.

Cost Analysis of Treatments

The study found that the average cost of treating drug-resistant infections was $1,238, compared to $827 for infections that were susceptible to treatment.
In government hospitals, the costs were $199.2 for resistant infections and $108.5 for susceptible ones.
Private hospitals reported higher figures, with costs of $3,382 for resistant infections and $3,019 for susceptible infections.
The primary driver of these costs was the increased expenditure on medicines, which rose by 61.5% in government facilities and 27.1% in private ones.

Hospital Stay Duration and Mortality Rates

Patients with resistant infections experienced longer hospital stays, averaging 23 days, compared to 12 days for those with susceptible infections.
The mortality rate for patients with resistant infections was also higher, with 29.5% of these patients dying compared to 20% of those with susceptible infections.
This puts stress on the severity of drug resistance and its implications for patient health outcomes.

Financial Impact on Families

Over 45% of patients borrowed money for treatment, with this figure rising to 47.6% among those with resistant infections.
Additionally, 10.5% of families with resistant infections had to adjust their financial situations, such as starting new jobs or withdrawing children from school, compared to 6.2% for susceptible infections.
The study also noted that 11.4% of families with resistant infections sold or mortgaged assets, compared to 9.8% for those with susceptible infections.

Importance of Preventing Drug Resistance

The findings of this study highlight the urgent need to address antimicrobial resistance to alleviate financial distress and reduce mortality rates. With nearly 70% of health expenditures coming from out-of-pocket payments, the economic implications are deep. Preventing drug resistance could lead to lower treatment costs and improved health outcomes.

Strategies for Reducing Resistance

To combat antimicrobial resistance, education is crucial. Patients should be informed about the risks of misusing antibiotics, such as self-prescribing and discontinuing treatment prematurely. Healthcare professionals can contribute by avoiding broad-spectrum antibiotics and opting for targeted treatments based on specific infections. Additionally, pharmaceutical companies must implement effective waste management practices to prevent the release of antibiotics into the environment.

ICMR – Indian Council of Medical Research, a key health research body.
AMR – Antimicrobial Resistance, a growing global health threat.
Out-of-pocket expenditure – Direct payments made by patients for healthcare services.
Broad-spectrum antibiotics – Medications effective against a wide range of bacteria.
Targeted treatments – Specific therapies aimed at particular pathogens.

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