The Outreach Awareness Program on “Antibiotics Self-Medication: A Quick Fix or a Hidden Risk?” was organized on 09 September 2026 by the Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, at Ambawati Doon Valley Inter College, Panditwari, Dehradun, with the kind support and cooperation of Mr. Dinesh Chandra Bhatt, Principal, Ambawati Doon Valley Inter College.
The program aimed to create awareness among school students about the safe, responsible, and rational use of medicines, particularly the risks associated with inappropriate self-medication and antibiotic misuse. Students were sensitized to common practices such as taking medicines recommended by friends or family, using leftover medicines, consuming antibiotics without professional advice, and taking multiple medicines without checking their contents or dosage.
The session highlighted the risks of inappropriate self-medication, including adverse effects, incorrect dosing, drug interactions, inappropriate treatment, masking of symptoms, delayed diagnosis, and antimicrobial resistance. Students were encouraged to read medicine labels, follow dosage instructions, avoid sharing prescription medicines, and consult qualified doctors or pharmacists when required.
A Nukkad Natak (street play) was presented by the B.Pharm 2nd Year and Pharm.D 1st Year students, effectively portraying real-life situations related to antibiotic self-medication and its consequences. The engaging performance helped reinforce the key messages in a simple and relatable manner.
The program included interactive discussions and a question-and-answer session. Students actively participated and were encouraged to follow the principle “Stop–Think–Ask–Then Take” and share the awareness messages with their families and peers.
The event was successfully coordinated by Dr. Ankit Sharma, Mrs. Srishti Morris, and Mr. Manoj Dalabehera, Assistant Professor, UIPS whose dedicated efforts contributed to its successful execution.
