Overprescribed, overpowered antibiotic crisis and Türkiye

Experts warn that by 2050, antibiotic resistance driven by the misuse and overuse of these medications could become one of the world’s most serious health crises. Türkiye, which has one of the highest antibiotic consumption rates globally, is expected to be among the hardest-hit countries.

When bacteria adapt to resist the effects of medications intended to eradicate them, antibiotic resistance develops. This makes previously treatable infections more difficult, sometimes impossible, to cure Professor Dr. Onder Ergonul, head of Koc University Infectious Diseases Research Center, explains that overprescribing antibiotics accelerates this resistance.

In Türkiye, antibiotics are included in three out of 10 prescriptions, making the country one of the biggest consumers among OECD nations.

One of the main causes of this problem is the misuse of antibiotics for viral infections like the flu or common cold, which do not respond to these drugs. Similarly, antibiotics are frequently prescribed for mild gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections, even when unnecessary. The lack of rapid diagnostic tests and the pressure from patients on doctors further contribute to the overprescription of these medications.

‘’The overuse of antibiotics creates a dangerous feedback loop,’’ says Professor Ergonul. ‘’Patients expect quick relief; doctors often feel pressured to prescribe and bacteria continue to develop resistance.’’

Urgent need for action

Expanding access to rapid diagnostic tests to accurately determine whether infections are bacterial or viral, reducing unnecessary prescriptions. 

Educational campaigns and curricula should change to improve public awareness of antibiotic resistance, starting from primary school. Misinformation—such as the belief that antibiotics cure colds—remains widespread.

Türkiye’s antibiotic consumption remains high

Türkiye took steps to address the issue by banning over-the-counter antibiotic sales in 2013, leading to a reduction in consumption. However, much of this progress was lost after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2022, Türkiye had the highest consumption rate in Europe, signaling an urgent need for renewed intervention.

Economic, healthcare consequences in EU

In 2019, over 500,000 deaths in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) European region were linked to antimicrobial resistance. In the EU alone, healthcare and productivity losses related to antibiotic resistance are estimated at €1.5 billion per year.

The European Union is also struggling with medicine shortages, particularly 16 critical drugs, including amoxicillin, cancer treatments, and insulin. Shortages are due to supply chain issues, increased demand, and manufacturers pulling drugs from the market.

Racing against time

Unless drastic measures are taken, experts warn that antibiotic resistance will continue to rise, leading to untreatable infections, longer hospitable stays, increased medical conditions, and a global health crisis.

Countries like Türkiye must urgently reinforce regulations, expand public education, and implement stricter prescription guidelines to avoid catastrophic consequences in the coming decades.