Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | 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.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
[more...]
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.
01 November 2018
A vegan diet could help people living with diabetes to better manage their condition, a new review suggests.
31 October 2018
Electric planes could soon be flying on short-haul routes in Europe, according to the boss of EasyJet.
30 October 2018
UK air travellers waste up to £175 million every year on seat allocations that they don't need, a new study has revealed.
27 October 2018
Nearly a third of pregnant women had their labour induced last year, leading experts to link the figure with rising maternal age and obesity.
26 October 2018
Eurostar is set to increase its services between London and Amsterdam to cope with growing demand.
25 October 2018
The Duchess of Sussex has helped make a traditional Fijian breakfast dish as part of her first royal tour, which includes a visit to the South Pacific island.