Last updated: November 8, 2026. A viral video by Qamber H Naqvi has restarted a national conversation: Pakistanis are taking far more medicine than they need — often without a doctor's prescription. The facts below come from the World Health Organization and published Pakistani research. This guide is for information only — it is not medical advice. Always follow your doctor's guidance. Medical disclaimer: this article does not replace professional medical advice; never start, stop or change a medicine without your doctor's advice, especially antibiotics, blood pressure, diabetes and heart medicines.

Medicine Overuse in Pakistan 2026: WHO Rational Use & Home Care Guide

Written by Fatima Nursing Care

"Pakistan mein dawaiyon ka ghair zaroori aur zaroorat se zyada istemal ek sangeen masla banta ja raha hai" — that is the opening line of a video by Qamber H Naqvi that has now been watched nearly 49,000 times on TikTok. His question is simple: according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, how much medicine is the right amount — and why does getting it wrong matter so much? The answer, from WHO itself, is stark: more than half of all medicines worldwide are prescribed, dispensed or sold inappropriately, and half of all patients fail to take their medicines correctly. Pakistan's own research shows the same pattern at home. Here is what rational use means, what the Pakistani studies actually found, and how to use medicines safely at home.

What does "rational use of medicines" mean?

WHO defines rational use of medicines as patients receiving medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community. In plain words: the right medicine, for the right problem, in the right dose, for the right length of time — and no extra medicines on top. WHO advocates 12 key interventions to promote more rational use, from better prescribing and patient education to supervision and feedback for health workers.

The problem in Pakistan — what the studies found

The numbers below come from published research in different parts of Pakistan. They cover different places and years, so they are not one single national figure — but every study points the same way:

• BMJ Public Health, 2024 (Saif et al.): in a survey of 493 adults across Pakistan (January 2021 – March 2022), 39.2% had self-medicated with antibiotics in the previous six months, and 42% did not finish the antibiotic course their doctor had prescribed.
• Punjab parents study, Advances in Human Biology, 2025: among 438 parents of children under 12 admitted to three public hospitals, 63% had given antibiotics to their children without a doctor's advice — mostly for sore throat (27.1%), high fever (22.4%), nasal discharge (20.9%) and cough (17.7%). The most common antibiotics were amoxicillin (33.6%), co-amoxiclav (18.1%) and azithromycin (15.2%). The two main reasons: the symptoms looked the same as a previous illness (42.6%) and money was tight (39%).
• South Waziristan, Journal of Medical Sciences, 2024: among 373 adults, 84.5% admitted self-medicating with antibiotics, most often to save money (38%); amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was the most used (42%).
• Rawalpindi, History of Medicine, 2024: among 200 people, 50% reported self-medication and 35% admitted not completing prescribed courses — even though 90% knew that antibiotic overuse causes resistance.

Why do people take extra medicine?

• "Pehle bhi yehi hua tha" — the symptoms look the same as last time, so the same medicine is repeated without a check.
• Cost — a doctor's visit feels expensive, so the pharmacy becomes the first stop.
• Easy access — antibiotics and other prescription medicines are often sold without a prescription.
• Stopping early — feeling better after two days and stopping a five-day course, which leaves the infection only partly treated.
• Too many medicines at once — several medicines for one illness (polypharmacy), sometimes including injections when tablets would do.
• Pressure to "do something" — families expect a prescription at every visit, and a drip or injection feels like stronger treatment.

What goes wrong when medicines are overused?

• Antibiotic resistance: bacteria learn to survive the drugs meant to kill them, so the next infection is harder — or impossible — to treat. WHO calls antimicrobial resistance one of the biggest threats to global health.
• Side effects: every extra medicine adds a chance of stomach upset, allergy, dizziness or harm to the liver and kidneys.
• Masked illness: painkillers and fever medicines can hide warning signs while the real problem gets worse.
• Wasted money: paying for medicines that do not help.
• Treatment failure: stopping a course early lets the infection come back stronger.

Safe medicine use at home — 7 rules that actually work

• Doctor's prescription first — never start an antibiotic (or any prescription medicine) on your own or on a neighbour's advice.
• Finish the full course — even when you feel better. Stopping early is how resistance builds.
• Right dose, right time — take the exact dose your doctor wrote, at the times written. Use a clock or a phone alarm.
• Keep one medicine list — write down every medicine, dose and time for each family member, and show it at every doctor visit.
• One illness, one plan — do not mix medicines from different doctors or old prescriptions without asking.
• Store medicines properly — in a cool, dry place, out of children's reach; check expiry dates and throw expired medicines away safely.
• Ask the pharmacist — if the dose, timing or side effects are unclear, ask before taking, not after.

Antibiotics: the special case

Antibiotics kill bacteria — they do nothing against viruses, and most colds, flu and sore throats are viral. Taking an antibiotic for a viral illness does not speed recovery; it only adds side effects and builds resistance. The three mistakes Pakistani studies keep finding are the same: starting antibiotics without a prescription, choosing the wrong one, and stopping halfway. If a doctor does prescribe an antibiotic, the course length matters as much as the medicine itself.

How home nursing helps with medicines at home

For an elderly parent on several medicines, or a child recovering at home, the hardest part is often not the medicine itself — it is getting every dose right, on time, day after day. A trained home nurse can:

• Remind and supervise doses on time, especially for elderly parents on several medicines
• Keep the medicine list up to date and share it with the doctor at every visit
• Watch for side effects and warning signs early, and alert the family
• Keep a simple record of doses, temperature and symptoms for the doctor
• Support the family in following the doctor's plan — without adding any medicine of their own

One important boundary: nurses do not prescribe medicines. Any change to a prescription is the doctor's decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rational use of medicines?

WHO defines it as patients receiving medications appropriate to their clinical needs, in doses that meet their own individual requirements, for an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost to them and their community. In plain words: the right medicine, for the right problem, in the right dose, for the right length of time — and no extra medicines on top.

How common is self-medication with antibiotics in Pakistan?

A 2024 BMJ Public Health survey of 493 adults found 39.2% had self-medicated with antibiotics in the previous six months. A 2025 Punjab study of 438 parents found 63% had given antibiotics to their children without a doctor's advice. Rates vary by place and study, but the pattern is consistent across the country.

Why is taking extra antibiotics harmful?

Antibiotics do not work against viruses — most colds, flu and sore throats are viral — and overuse builds antibiotic resistance: bacteria learn to survive the drugs, making future infections harder to treat. Extra antibiotics also add side effects and cost.

Should I stop an antibiotic when I feel better?

No. Finish the full course your doctor prescribed, even after symptoms improve. Stopping early can let the infection return and contributes to resistance. If side effects appear, call your doctor instead of stopping on your own.

How can home care help with medicines?

A trained home nurse can remind and supervise doses on time, keep an up-to-date medicine list, watch for side effects and warning signs, and keep a record for the doctor — with the doctor directing the care plan. Nurses do not prescribe or change medicines. WhatsApp +92 308 3688218 to arrange home care.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medicines can have serious side effects and interactions, especially antibiotics, blood pressure, diabetes and heart medicines. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor with any questions about a medicine, and never start, stop or change a medicine because of something you have read here. A rash, swelling or breathing trouble after starting a new medicine, or symptoms that get worse instead of better, need prompt medical attention.