Health

Are antibiotics being prescribed more often than necessary

Dr Rania Alkhani, Pharmacy Manager at International Modern Hospital Dubai

1. From your experience, are antibiotics being prescribed more often than necessary in the UAE or elsewhere?

Antibiotics are among the most commonly overused and misused medications, both in the UAE and globally. In the past, it was common for people to take antibiotics for almost any sign of infection. However, medical advances have clearly shown that not all infections are caused by bacteria. In fact, many common illnesses—especially upper respiratory infections such as colds and flu—are viral, and antibiotics provide no benefit in these cases.

Using antibiotics when they are not needed exposes patients to unnecessary side effects and, more importantly, increases the risk of antibiotic resistance. This misuse allows bacteria to adapt and become resistant, leading to the emergence of so-called “superbugs” that are much harder to treat in the future.

Even when an infection is bacterial, antibiotics are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Different bacteria respond to different antibiotics, and treatment should be targeted whenever possible. The goal is to use the most appropriate, narrow-spectrum antibiotic to effectively treat the infection while minimizing the risk of resistance.

Simply put, antibiotics should be used wisely—because it is not always necessary to use a gun to kill a fly.

2. Do you find that some expats bring antibiotics from their home countries — and in what situations do you most often see misuse?

Yes, this does happen quite frequently. Some expats and visitors bring medications from their home countries, including antibiotics, for several reasons. In some countries, generic medicines are more affordable, and in others antibiotics may be available without a prescription. In the UAE, antibiotics are strictly regulated and cannot be dispensed without a valid prescription, as part of national efforts to control misuse and resistance.

Because of these differences, some people prefer to bring antibiotics with them so they have them readily available when they feel unwell.

The most common misuse we see is taking antibiotics for viral infections, such as colds, flu, or sore throats, where antibiotics are ineffective. Another serious form of misuse is stopping antibiotics as soon as symptoms improve—often after one or two days—rather than completing the full prescribed course. This practice increases the risk that bacteria survive, become resistant, and cause more difficult-to-treat infections in the future.

3. When antibiotics are overused or taken incorrectly — for example, for viral illnesses — what are the real risks for patients and the wider community?

Our bodies naturally contain millions of bacteria that live with us and help protect our health. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily—such as for viral illnesses—or taken incorrectly, they do not only kill harmful bacteria, but also destroy the beneficial bacteria that keep this balance. This disruption allows more harmful bacteria to grow and spread.

Over time, repeated or inappropriate use of antibiotics encourages bacteria to become resistant. These resistant bacteria, often referred to as “superbugs,” are much harder to treat and may require stronger, more toxic, or more expensive medications. In some cases, treatment options become very limited.

For the wider community, antibiotic resistance is a serious public health threat. Resistant bacteria can spread between people, making common infections more difficult to control and increasing hospital stays, complications, and healthcare costs. Overuse of antibiotics in the past has already reduced the effectiveness of some of our strongest, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and this makes treating serious infections increasingly challenging.

Using antibiotics responsibly protects not only the individual patient, but also the safety and health of the entire community.

4. What steps are hospitals, clinics, and patients already taking — or should be taking — to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use?

Healthcare facilities already play an important role in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, and this effort needs to continue and strengthen. Antibiotics should remain restricted medications and only be prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals when there is a clear medical indication.

In hospitals and clinics, this means confirming bacterial infections whenever possible before prescribing antibiotics. Simple and appropriate tests—such as urine tests for suspected urinary tract infections, stool tests when indicated, respiratory panels for certain respiratory symptoms, and relevant blood tests—help clinicians identify the cause of infection and choose the most suitable treatment. This ensures that antibiotics are used only when needed and that the right antibiotic is selected.

Patients also have an essential role. Public awareness is key to reducing misuse. Patients should avoid requesting antibiotics for colds or flu, follow medical advice, and always complete the full course when antibiotics are prescribed.

Responsible prescribing by healthcare providers, combined with informed and cooperative patients, is the most effective way to protect the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations.

Health

KFSHRC Performs Seven Heart Procedures in Single Robotic Surgery

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) has performed a highly complex robotic heart surgery on a woman in her seventies who was living with seven ongoing cardiac pathologies, including congenital defects. In a single operation, the surgical team addressed all seven issues surgically, marking the first documented case worldwide in which this number of cardiac interventions has been combined in one fully robotic approach.
According to a recent KFSHRC press release, the innovative approach stabilized the patient’s condition, accelerated her recovery, and spared her from undergoing multiple staged surgeries that would have significantly increased risks and prolonged her suffering.
Unlike conventional open-heart surgery, the procedure was performed without a full chest incision. The robotic technique enabled the team to perform mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, arrhythmia treatment using a Maze procedure, left atrial appendage closure, atrial septal defect formation, and reconstruction of complex venous anatomy (double patch venous enlargement), all through small, precise incisions. This minimally invasive approach reduced surgical trauma, lowered the likelihood of complications, supported a safer procedure, full restoration of heart function and earlier hospital discharge within eight days.
The significance of the case lies in its integration of two surgical domains that are typically managed separately: adult acquired heart disease and congenital defect repair. Treating a heart affected simultaneously by acquired pathology and structural congenital abnormalities required dual expertise and the ability to unify different treatment standards within a single, carefully coordinated intervention.
The release also highlighted that robotic technology played a central role in the procedure’s success, offering enhanced precision when navigating delicate intracardiac structures and allowing multiple complex interventions to be performed through limited access points. This improved surgical control, minimized bleeding, and reduced the risks commonly associated with traditional open-heart surgery.
This milestone reflects KFSHRC’s commitment to advancing the boundaries of cardiac surgery through cutting-edge technology and integrated multidisciplinary care. It underscores the hospital’s patient-centered approach, prioritizing safety, clinical excellence, and measurable outcomes, while reinforcing its position as a global reference center for complex surgical innovation.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital has been ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026 and recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East according to Brand Finance 2025. It has also been listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals 2025, the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, and the World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026.
— SPA

Health

Advanced Endoscopic Intervention Saves 24-Year-Old with Life-Threatening Esophageal Tear at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah

Sharjah, UAE , 18^th Feb 2026

What began as sudden, severe chest pain and repeated vomiting for a 24-year-old patient quickly evolved into a rare and potentially fatal medical emergency. Within hours, specialists at NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah diagnosed an esophageal perforation, a tear in the food pipe that requires immediate intervention to prevent serious infection and organ complications. Esophageal perforation is uncommon but carries significant risk if treatment is delayed. Rapid recognition and decisive action are critical.

Rapid Diagnosis

Upon arrival at the Emergency Department, the patient’s symptoms initially resembled more common conditions, including cardiac or gastrointestinal distress. However, clinical evaluation and imaging raised concern for a tear in the esophageal wall.

“A perforation of the esophagus is a true race against time,” explained Dr. Hamid Yousuf, Consultant Gastroenterologist. “If not managed promptly, it can lead to severe infection in the chest cavity and life-threatening complications. Early diagnosis makes all the difference.”

Rapid and effective minimally invasive treatment

Recognising the urgency, Dr. Yousuf and the gastroenterology team proceeded with emergency therapeutic endoscopy, a minimally invasive approach that allows both direct visualisation and immediate treatment.

During the procedure, a specialised esophageal stent was carefully placed to seal the tear and prevent leakage into surrounding tissues. This internal support allowed the damaged area to heal while avoiding the need for major open surgery.

“Modern endoscopy has evolved beyond diagnosis,” said Dr. Yousuf. “It is now a powerful therapeutic tool. By sealing the tear internally, we stabilised the patient quickly and reduced the risks associated with more invasive surgical procedures.”

The patient responded well to the intervention and made a complete recovery under close multidisciplinary care.

Identifying the Underlying Cause

Beyond repairing the acute injury, the team sought to understand why such a severe event occurred in a young individual. During the same endoscopic session, targeted biopsies were obtained for further analysis which revealed a previously undiagnosed condition, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the esophagus which in rare cases can lead to spontaneous tearing. Because early symptoms such as persistent swallowing difficulty, recurrent food impaction or unexplained chest discomfort can be subtle or intermittent, many young adults remain undiagnosed until a serious complication occurs.

Recovery and Prevention

With the diagnosis established, the patient was started on a structured long-term management plan, including dietary modifications and medical therapy aimed at controlling inflammation and preventing recurrence.

This case underscores three critical messages for the community:

Serious medical emergencies can occur even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
Advanced, minimally invasive treatments are transforming outcomes in life-threatening situations.
Unusual symptoms of any kind should not be ignored. Early medical evaluation can prevent complications and significantly improve long-term health outcomes.

At NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah, the integration of rapid emergency response, advanced endoscopic capability and comprehensive diagnostic investigation continues to redefine how complex gastrointestinal emergencies are managed.

About NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah
NMC Royal Hospital, Sharjah is a leading tertiary healthcare facility in the UAE, delivering patient-centred, evidence-based care across a wide range of specialities. With advanced minimally invasive technologies and multidisciplinary expertise, the hospital remains committed to providing high standards of medical excellence to the community.

Health

French prosecutors probe Nestlé, Danone over tainted baby formula

A crisis over contaminated baby formula has grown with product recall after recall in recent weeks. On Friday, Paris’ public prosecutor said it opened investigations into five companies that make the formula. Parents and investors are on edge.

The investigation concerns possibly contaminated infant nutrition products distributed by three of the world’s largest dairy groups, Nestle, Danone, and privately-held Lactalis, as well as smaller brands Babybio and La Marque en Moins.

The recalls were due to possible contamination of cereulide, a heat-stable toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea when consumed. While symptoms typically resolve within a day, it can lead to more severe complications.

The Paris prosecutor said it opened its investigations due to “deception regarding goods posing a danger to human health,” an offence punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 3.75 million euros ($4.45 million), according to a translated statement. CNBC reached out to the companies mentioned for comment.

In January, Nestle CEO Philipp Navratil said he was sorry about the worry and disruption this has caused parents and customers. “Let me reassure you that your safety and wellbeing is our highest priority,” he said.

The prosecutor’s office took up the case due to the large number of complaints across the country, it said.

In addition, the French health ministry is looking into three reported baby deaths in cases where consumption of infant formula affected by the recall was reported. On Feb. 11, it said that no causal link had been established and that judicial investigations are underway.

Worldwide recalls

Nestle published a “sequence of events” on Jan. 29, saying it found traces of cereulide in batches of some of its finished products in early December in its factory in the Netherlands.

On Dec. 10, it informed Dutch authorities, the European Commission and potentially impacted countries of potential risks, according to the company’s timeline, which added it initiated recalls the same day of all batches produced: 25 products in 16 countries in Europe.

In January, the Swiss company issued its first major public recall for brands SMA, Beba and Little Steps across Europe, and recalls by French peers Danone, the maker of best-selling Aptamil and Cow & Gate, and Lactalis followed.

So far, there have been recalls in over 60 countries.

The contamination source has been traced back to an ingredient supplier of arachidonic acid (ARA) oil, which is often added to baby formula, Nestle said.

The fallout has grown over time because many different companies and multiple brands used this supplier. The supplier hasn’t been officially named. The UK’s Food Standards Agency said the supplier of the ARA oil was no longer being used by Nestle or Danone

It still urged parents and caregivers to check if the formula products they have at home were among those batches listed in the recalls.

On Feb. 2, the European Food Safety Authority set a threshold level of the toxin cereulide. There hadn’t previously been a harmonized standard because of its rarity, said Barclays analyst Warren Ackerman.

Earlier this month, UK authorities said they had received at least 36 clinical reports of infants showing symptoms consistent with cereulide poisoning.

Nestle and Danone report earnings this week

Nestle’s infant formula makes up about 5% of revenue, and the company has disclosed that recalled products represent only about 0.5% of revenue. “The larger 5% number is probably more relevant given the likely consumer confusion and brand equity risk,” said Bernstein analyst Callum Elliott in January.

“For Danone, infant formula is more important, comprising around 21% of group revenues by our estimates, and more than this in terms of profitability.”

Nestle and Danone are both slated to report earnings later this week, where investors hope to get a better picture of the financial impact of the recalls.

As investors worry about the financial fallout and potential reputational damage, Nestle shares are up 1.7% year-to-date, while Danone stock has shed 5.5%. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is up 4.6% over the same period.

Nestle and Danone stocks slumped at the end of January, at the height of the recall announcements, but have since recovered some of their losses.

– CNBC