The Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society has called on the National Assembly to enact a legislation to regulate the sale and right use of antibiotic in the country.
The President of the society, Prof. Abdulrazaq Habib, made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the Annual General Meeting of the society.
It was with the theme: “Healthcare associated infections.”
Habib said when the law is enacted and operational, it would help to stem the trend of over the counter purchase of drugs as well as improve the healthcare needs of the populace.
Speaking on the theme of the AGM, the treasurer of the society, Dr. Vivian Kwaghe, urged healthcare givers to ensure that patients in their care do not contact healthcare associated infections.
Kwaghe, who decried the prevalence of healthcare associated infections in the country, attributed the cause to unhygienic practices among others.
She said that healthcare associated infections are infections patients contact in hospital while treating other ailments.
She listed some of the infections to include pneumonia, surgical wing infection, urinary tract infection among others.
Kwaghe said: “It is saddened for patients to visit the hospital with the intention of getting well but later discover that he or she has been afflicted by healthcare infections.
“Healthcare personnel should practice preventive measures.
“As we carry out our day-to-day activities, we should be conscious of the fact that if a patient comes to access our services he should not go back with another ailment.
“We should be aware of this menace in our society and do everything possible to curtail it.”
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