22 May 2001
Bugs resistant to drugs
Launching Pharmac's Wise Use of Antibiotics campaign today, Otaki MP (and Chair of the Health Select Committee) Judy
Keall said that it was very important to educate the public about the best use of antibiotics.
"There are two main messages which we need to get across to people. The first is that antibiotics are not a cure for
viral infections. The second is that when antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to complete the course of pills
prescribed.
"Misuse of antibiotics is creating a serious problem of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. If we do not tackle
this problem, we run the risk of antibiotics becoming less and less effective in the fight against disease."
In thanking GPs for their support of the Wise Use of Antibiotics campaign, Mrs Keall said "It is important to take
advice from your doctor who is best qualified to decide whether or not you should use an anti-biotic."