The tendency to overuse broad-spectrum antibiotics has been documented repeatedly over the past two decades through surveillance studies, hospital audits and national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) programmes. Doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics before a definitive diagnosis is available because patients often present late. India has begun building this through the National Health Mission, Free Diagnostics Service Initiative, National Essential Diagnostics List and expanded lab networks. Communities must understand that antibiotics do not treat viral infections and that demanding them for every fever is harmful in the long term. Reducing antimicrobial resistance will not be achieved by asking doctors simply to prescribe fewer antibiotics.