Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will soon roll out the ‘One Nation, One Health’ initiative and introduce a digital prescription framework across the state to curb the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance.
According to sources, the framework will digitally log patients’ medical histories, prior drug usage and antibiotic treatments, enabling healthcare professionals to review records during consultations and prescribe life-saving medicines only when medically necessary.
Addressing the annual function of the Odisha Pharmacists Association, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling highlighted the state’s upcoming public health and digital health updates, while echoing concerns previously raised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned during ‘Mann Ki Baat’ that unnecessary prescription of antibiotics to people must be controlled. Through digital prescriptions, we will monitor what doctors are prescribing—whether antibiotics or other medications. Comprehensive preparations are underway by the government to enforce this control.”
Under the system, physicians will gain access to prior treatments to verify the need for antibiotics, helping prevent redundant or unnecessary medication. This targets a widespread public health challenge in which patients self-medicate with over-the-counter antibiotics or discontinue courses early once symptoms ease, practices that weaken immunity and accelerate drug resistance. Regulatory bodies including the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the State Drugs Controller and drug inspectors will enforce rules requiring pharmacies to dispense antibiotics solely against valid prescriptions.
The initiative builds on earlier state directives requiring doctors to mention the exact indication when prescribing antimicrobials and ensuring pharmacies sell antibiotics only on valid prescriptions, reflecting ongoing efforts to tackle AMR in Odisha and nationally. It also aligns with the Centre’s push towards a ‘One Nation, One Health’ vision and builds on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
Mahaling urged people to download Aarogya Setu 2.0, noting that the app is designed to help users locate nearby medicine stores, diagnostic and testing centres, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, making it easier to find essential services. “Through ABDM, the National Health Authority has launched the Aarogya Setu 2.0 app with a ‘Scan and Share’ concept. When a doctor issues a prescription, it can be saved and shared digitally alongside family medical history. I request everyone to download Aarogya Setu 2.0. Through this platform, citizens can immediately locate and contact nearby health professionals, hospitals, doctors, medicine stores, and lab technicians,” the Minister said.
He added that the state government is making extensive preparations to expand the use of technology in healthcare. “Our objective is to use digital tools to improve healthcare delivery and make services more efficient for citizens. Detailed information about the new Odisha app will be shared at the time of its launch.”
