Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the extent of over-prescribing of antibiotics. [8040]
§ Mr. MaloneNo assessment has been made. Health authority medical and pharmaceutical advisers routinely monitor all prescribing by general practitioners, including antibiotic prescribing, to ensure drugs are used appropriately. Local microbiologists and physicians are responsible for the control of infectious diseases, and advise doctors on local bacterial resistance, and advising on antibiotic use and choice. However, it is up to individual clinicians to provide the most effective treatment for the individual patient.