What is Red Line Campaign??

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the " the Red Line" campaign in February 2016 to address the escalating misuse of antibiotics nationwide. Its primary objective is to combat the irrational use of antibiotics and raise awareness about the adverse effects of consuming antibiotics without a prescription. As part of this initiative, all antibiotics available only by prescription will feature a vertical red line on their packaging. It is essential for individuals to notice this indicator and seek a doctor's advice before consuming these antibiotics, ensuring completion of the full prescribed course.

1. The Union Health Ministry's campaign on Anti-Microbial Resistance emphasizes the importance of refraining from using medications bearing a red vertical line, which includes antibiotics, without the guidance of a medical professional.
2. These medications are commonly referred to as 'Medicines with the Red Line.'
3. The introduction of the 'red line' serves as a measure to deter the inappropriate use of antibiotics, aiding users in distinguishing them from other pharmaceuticals.
4. This campaign targets the reduction of unnecessary prescriptions and over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, which contribute to drug resistance in critical diseases such as TB, malaria, and urinary tract infections.