Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 08:30 - 19:00 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
27 February 2018 09:20
test tube for cancer blood test
Medication errors do not only harm patients but also fuel the increase in antibiotic resistance, the head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria changes in such a way that the medication used to treat them - in this case antibiotics - becomes ineffective.
The issue has become a global one in recent years, with warnings the world could face a "post-antibiotic apocalypse" and the end of modern medicine unless the problem is addressed.
'All at risk'
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Medication errors do not only cause harm to the individual patient, they can also fuel the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
"Recently, WHO published the first report from global antimicrobial surveillance system known as GLASS, and the findings are alarming.
"In some countries up to 82% of bacterial infections are resistant to at least one of the most commonly used antibiotics.
"Medication errors are part of that story. When antibiotics are wrongly prescribed or are not taken correctly, it is not just the patient themselves who are at risk, it is all of us."
Travellers with pre-existing medical conditions can protect themselves abroad with specialist travel insurance.
Medication errors
Speaking at the World Patient Safety Summit in London Dr Adhanom's comments came as the Health and Social Care Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, also drew attention to medication errors.
Research commissioned by Mr Hunt's Government department highlighted how more than 200 medication errors are made in the NHS every year.
The mistakes, which includes giving patients the wrong medication, could contribute up to 22,000 deaths annually in England, the study revealed.
Mr Hunt said the research shows medication errors are "a far bigger problem than generally recognised" and are causing "totally preventable" harm and deaths.
Looking for medical travel insurance to cover pre-existing conditions? World First are specialists with 35 years experience. Cover for most health problems and great cover you can depend upon.
07 October 2019
What should you eat in Croatia? Good question. Unrumble that tummy with our rundown of our favourite Croat cuisine.
[more...]
Where's the best beach in Croatia? We answer that question and more as we look at the Adriatic beaches you won't want to miss out on...
02 October 2019
Enjoy National Pizza Month and grab a slice of history with the true story of everyone's favourite Italian flat-bread...
Autumn is here. And while the weather outside starts to turn, you may be asking where to find October sun? Here are some of our top short-haul destinations...
19 September 2019
How do I protect my home while I'm away? Your question answered and more with our top tips for locking up your home while you're on holiday...
18 September 2019
Searching for the best things to do in Munich? Explore our top tips for things to do in the Bavarian capital...
Tummy rumbling? Discover the best Bavarian foods you can eat at Oktoberfest with our guide to some of the dishes you must try...
Who invented rugby? Ahead of the greatest rugby competition in the world, we take a look at how the game spread around the globe...
09 September 2019
What's the best place for a city break this September? Here are some of our favourite weekend destinations for a European getaway.
What's the best island to visit in Europe? Take a look at some of our top tips off the beaten track and find your very own island paradise...
02 September 2019
If you're visiting the Land of the Rising Sun for the rugby, here's everything you need to know about the World Cup's host cities...
Not ready to wave goodbye to summer? Discover our top European destinations for last-minute summer sun...