HC Deb 05 November 1996 vol 284 cc1027-8
8. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to issue new guidance to family doctors on the prescribing of antibiotics. [616]

Mr. Malone

Detailed national guidance on the prescribing of antibiotics to individual patients would not be appropriate because of local variation in resistance patterns. Only the doctor in charge of the patient is in a position to decide on the most appropriate treatment. The British National Formulary, which is regularly updated and which we fund, provides advice for all doctors on the choice of suitable drugs.

Mr. Williams

That answer is rather complacent. In view of the link between meningitis clusters and the overuse of antibiotics by general practitioners in those areas, and the rise of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus in hospitals, is it not clear that resistance to antibiotics is a major health problem, and should not the Government introduce guidelines for GPs to prescribe antibiotics only when they are necessary?

Mr. Malone

I share the hon. Gentleman's concern on this matter, which the Government keep under close review. It might be helpful if I point out that the idea that antibiotics are on an ever-increasing path of prescription is not entirely right. The increase is still only 3.1 per cent., compared with 3.9 per cent. for all drugs. The Government take the matter seriously and guidance has been issued. The matter is considered by area prescribing committees because that is the most appropriate way in which to meet local needs. However, I assure the hon. Gentleman that the matter is kept under constant review by the chief medical officer.

Mr. Tredinnick

Does my hon. Friend accept that homeopathic doctors can offer treatments which substitute for antibiotics? Might there be scope under the primary care Bill for extending the scope of homeopathic treatment in the health service?

Mr. Malone

There is already scope for providing such treatment through the GP fundholding system, and I am pleased that a number of GP fundholders do that. I am also pleased that those who provide homeopathic medicines are now beginning to assess the effectiveness of such remedies, as happens in the rest of the NHS.