The Ministry of Health announced on March 19 the launch of a nationwide virtual course aimed at improving the use of antimicrobials in hospitals across Peru. The initiative, led by the Directorate General of Medicines, Supplies and Drugs (Digemid), is designed for healthcare professionals working in second- and third-level hospitals.
The new course seeks to address concerns about improper medication use, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatments and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. By providing updated tools and techniques, the program aims to help medical staff implement best practices for antimicrobial stewardship.
Developed in partnership with the National School of Public Health (Ensap), the course is open to healthcare professionals from both public and private institutions throughout the country. Registration is available until March 22 through Ensap’s online platform. The course will run from March 23 to July 24 this year.
Carmen Cuevas, director of Pharmacovigilance Access and Use at Digemid, said: “We want every treatment to be infallible and safe. By optimizing the use of antimicrobials, we not only raise patient well-being but also build a barrier against bacterial resistance.”
This effort builds on previous policies established by Ministerial Resolution No. 170-2022-MINSA, which since 2022 has promoted programs for optimizing antimicrobial use in hospital settings as a response to national and global challenges posed by drug resistance.
The Ministry said that ongoing training for health workers remains central to its commitment to patient safety and rational medicine use.
