- This initiative will help to adopt best practices in the quality of health services.
- It is the first time that the IMSS has carried out a medical course on the correct use of antimicrobials in hospitals.
- Health professionals from Mexico participated and there were speakers and attendees from countries such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela.
Medicines are considered one of the greatest inventions of the modern era. Since they were created, millions of deaths have been avoided and they have been fundamental in increasing the quality of life of the population. But now the world is at a crossroads because there has not been a correct use of antimicrobials.
With this in mind, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) held the first workshop for the implementation and strengthening of the Antimicrobial Optimization Programs (PROA) in Hospitals.
The goal of this initiative is to improve awareness and understanding regarding the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)through effective communication, education and training.
How to make correct use of antimicrobials in hospitals?
The inauguration was headed by the director of Medical Benefits of the IMSS, doctor Célida Duque Molina, in the High Specialty Medical Unit (UMAE) Specialty Hospital of the National Medical Center (CMN) Siglo XXI. Professionals from the National Health System of Mexico, speakers and attendees from countries such as Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela participated.
In her message, the director of Medical Benefits of the IMSS highlighted the effort and the union of human talents of different nationalities for the systematic and harmonized implementation of the PROA by generating and delivering training courses, promoting continuing medical education programs, reinforcing knowledge, establish surveillance systems, among other actions.
performed #IMSS First workshop to strengthen Antimicrobial Optimization Programs in hospitals.
➡️ https://t.co/Sbq2lB42Xz pic.twitter.com/XkLhbrXs7k
— IMSS (@Your_IMSS) June 13, 2023
He assured that the work that was carried out on June 8 and 9, 2023 of this first course promoted by the IMSS, will help to adopt the best practices and strengthen the quality of health services for the good of patients and of health personnel, to contribute to the development of societies.
Dr. Célida Duque said that it is important to preserve the usefulness of antimicrobials, since it constitutes one of the great threats of this century, endangering global priorities such as human development and empowerment.
He added that antimicrobial resistance exacerbates the risk of life-saving medical and surgical interventions, and has a broad economic and social impact that jeopardizes the achievements of universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bad practices identified during the pandemic
He recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the dangers and difficulties that antimicrobial resistance entails, for which Mexico committed to establishing the necessary mechanisms to reduce antimicrobial resistance (RAM) as much as possible, in a manner consistent with what established both nationally and internationally.
Duque Molina indicated that the objectives, strategies and lines of action of the agreements established by the federal authorities are a comprehensive, orderly and coherent set of measures aimed at promoting the responsible and rational use of antimicrobials, in order to improve the results of patients throughout the care process.
He explained that responsible and rational use includes prescribing antimicrobials only when necessary and choosing the most convenient dosage schedule, dose, route of administration, and duration based on an accurate and optimal diagnosis.
The director of Medical Benefits of the IMSS added that these actions are complemented by the adoption of preventive measures aimed at avoiding infections related to health care and those acquired in the community.
Also read:
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5 in-office actions to combat antimicrobial resistance
UNAM prepares a free medical course on the correct use of antibiotics