Indian pharmaceutical factories which supply the NHS with drugs have seen a rise of superbugs due to poor production standards according to an investigation. Ministers said they would consider placing new rules after tests outside pharmaceutical factories have found bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism says industrial waste containing antibiotics is being dumped which is helping bacteria to develop resistance. Tests conducted at 36 locations found antibiotic-resistant E.coli at 16. One factory near Hyderabad had 70% of E.coli resistant to fluoroquinolones.
Lord O’Neill of Gately, who led a government review into antibiotic resistance said: “It is the responsibility of all manufacturers and their suppliers to ensure that negligent or irresponsible practices do not add fuel to fire of rising drug resistance.” The Department of Health said companies supplying the NHS were closely monitored but “there are no current rules sound antibiotic supply. This is something we will consider.”
