Renowned Surgeon Warns of Global Threat Deadlier than Coronavirus: Untreatable Superbugs
A renowned British surgeon and pioneer in the health field, Lord Ara Darzi, has issued a grave warning about a global threat that he believes is even more dangerous than the devastating Coronavirus. Lord Darzi, a crossbench peer in the House of Lords, is well-known for his groundbreaking medical achievements, such as being the first person to perform robotic surgery in the United Kingdom, pioneering keyhole operations, and utilizing artificial intelligence to diagnose breast cancer.
Lord Darzi, heavily associated with NHS reform, has recently expressed his concerns about antibiotic resistance and the emergence of untreatable superbugs as the next major health crisis on a global scale. He points out that countless lives are already being claimed every year due to this phenomenon. In his view, the reality of untreatable superbugs is far more horrifying than the recent Coronavirus pandemic, which brought the world to a standstill. This concern has driven him to establish his own center to combat what he calls the silent pandemic.
The Mirror reports that Prince William has agreed to serve as a patron for The Fleming Centre, set to open in Paddington, London, in 2028. The Prince and Lord Darzi first met while collaborating on one of the Royal’s mental health campaigns. Lord Darzi praises Prince William’s involvement for allowing them to have a global impact.
The opening of The Fleming Centre will coincide with the centenary of Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin, which has become a crucial component of medical practices in the UK. However, due to overuse and the rapid mutation of superbugs, antibiotics could potentially lead to the emergence of illnesses that claim millions of lives annually.
Speaking to The Times, Lord Darzi elaborated on his concerns and plans. He predicts that by 2028, deaths from infections resistant to antibiotics will equal the number of deaths from infections in 1928, prior to the discovery of penicillin. Bacteria have existed for billions of years, predating humanity, and they have survived by constantly evolving to counter external threats like antibiotics.
Lord Darzi warns that antibiotic resistance is, in many ways, more alarming than Covid-19. He emphasizes that hospitals could face situations where they have no antibiotics left to treat infections, and this is already happening. He also cautions against the overuse of antibiotics, as some doctors choose the easy way out by prescribing them for colds and the flu, even when these ailments are caused by viral infections. Moreover, he highlights that this is not solely a human problem; antibiotics are also excessively used in cattle in certain parts of the world.
In conclusion, Lord Ara Darzi’s warning about the rise of untreatable superbugs is a wake-up call for the global medical community. His concerns, rooted in his extensive expertise and experience, shed light on a potential crisis that surpasses even the magnitude of the recent Coronavirus pandemic. The establishment of The Fleming Centre, with the support of Prince William, signifies a crucial step in addressing this silent pandemic and safeguarding the effectiveness of antibiotics for future generations. It is imperative that we take heed of Lord Darzi’s words and prioritize the fight against antibiotic resistance to prevent millions of unnecessary deaths.
