Rs 20 lakh antibiotic in demand as drug-resistant infections rise in Hyderabad

Hyderabad's hospitals are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for a life-saving antibiotic priced at Rs 20 lakh per dose, a development that underscores the growing threat of drug-resistant infections in the city. The drug, reserved for cases where conventional antibiotics fail, is now being sought by patients and doctors grappling with pathogens that no longer respond to standard treatment.

Medical professionals say the trend reflects a broader crisis in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where bacteria evolve to outsmart existing drugs. The high cost of the antibiotic, coupled with its limited availability, has made it a last-resort option for critically ill patients, often those in intensive care units with bloodstream infections or pneumonia.

Why the demand is rising

The surge in demand is linked to an increase in infections caused by multi-drug resistant organisms, particularly in hospital settings. These infections are difficult to treat, leading to longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and escalating healthcare costs. The Rs 20 lakh antibiotic, which belongs to a newer class of drugs, has proven effective against some of the most stubborn bacteria, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

Doctors in Hyderabad note that while the drug is a critical tool, its use must be carefully monitored. Overuse or misuse could accelerate resistance to this last-line therapy, leaving patients with no options. Hospitals are now being urged to implement strict antibiotic stewardship programs to ensure the drug is prescribed only when absolutely necessary.

Financial strain on patients

The prohibitive cost of the antibiotic has added to the burden on patients and their families. At Rs 20 lakh per dose, the treatment is out of reach for many, even with insurance. Health experts are calling for government intervention to subsidise the drug or negotiate lower prices with manufacturers, similar to efforts seen for other high-cost medicines.

Some hospitals have begun exploring crowdfunding platforms and charitable trusts to help patients afford the treatment. However, these efforts are piecemeal and do not address the systemic issue of high drug prices in India, where out-of-pocket healthcare spending remains significant.

Experts urge preventive measures

Public health specialists argue that the focus should be on preventing infections in the first place. Improved hygiene, better infection control in hospitals, and rational use of antibiotics are seen as key strategies to curb the rise of drug-resistant pathogens. Vaccination drives and public awareness campaigns are also being emphasised.

"The Rs 20 lakh antibiotic is a wake-up call," said a senior physician at a leading Hyderabad hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We cannot rely solely on expensive new drugs; we must address the root causes of AMR." The doctor added that India's high burden of infectious diseases, combined with over-the-counter antibiotic sales and incomplete treatment courses, has exacerbated the problem.

What lies ahead

As the demand for this antibiotic grows, hospitals are bracing for more cases of resistant infections. The state health department has not yet issued formal guidelines on the drug's use, but officials indicate that a policy framework is under discussion. In the coming months, expect greater scrutiny of antibiotic prescribing practices and possibly new regulations on the sale and distribution of last-resort drugs.

The situation in Hyderabad is a microcosm of a national challenge. Without coordinated action, the day may come when even the most expensive antibiotics fail. For now, the focus remains on preserving the effectiveness of existing drugs while hoping for newer, more affordable treatments to enter the market.