MEDAN (USU Hospital): The Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital, carried out a community service program (PKM) aimed at enhancing nurses' competence in the rational use of antibiotics and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The program included clinical practice-based simulations and the development of a mini guideline.

The event was officially opened yesterday by Dr. Ivana Alona, MPH, Director of Training, Research, and Collaboration at Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital. The PKM team from USU Faculty of Nursing, consisting of Nurbaiti, SKep, Ns, MBiomed; Nur Asiah, SKep, Ns, MBiomed; Dr. Nur Asnah Sitohang, SKep, Ns, MKep; Diah Lestari Nasution, SST, MKeb; and Afrinayanti W., SKep, Ns, MKep, delivered educational sessions to all nurses at the hospital.

According to Nurbaiti, the PKM Chair, the objectives of this program include improving nurses' knowledge and skills in rational antibiotic use, fostering appropriate attitudes and behaviors in antibiotic administration, and ultimately reducing the incidence of Multiple Drug-Resistant Organisms (MDRO). She emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of this century's most critical global health issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that without proper interventions, AMR could cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. One of the main drivers of AMR is irrational antibiotic use — whether in incorrect dosage, duration, or indication. Nurbaiti highlighted that nurses play a vital role as the frontline in administering antibiotics, patient education, and comprehensive therapy monitoring. However, the role of nurses in promoting rational antibiotic use and AMR prevention has not yet been optimized.

As an integral part of USU, Prof. Dr. Chairuddin P. Lubis Teaching Hospital functions as a teaching hospital that supports improving healthcare services, medical education, and research development in Western Indonesia, particularly North Sumatra. The hospital is committed to becoming an integrated center for developing medical science and technology by 2025. Its mission includes strengthening the quality of healthcare professionals and services while promoting collaborative, interdisciplinary advancement in medical sciences.