India’s leadership role in combatting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) cannot be understated. As one of the world’s most populous countries and a major player in the pharmaceutical industry, India possesses the potential to make a significant impact on the global stage in addressing this pressing issue. Urgent steps are required to harness this potential effectively. India should take the lead in promoting responsible antibiotic use, implementing stringent regulations on antibiotic production and sales, and investing in research and development for alternative treatments. By setting an example and collaborating with international partners, India can help curb the rising threat of AMR, ensuring that life-saving antibiotics remain effective for generations to come.
Tag: GS-3 GS- 2 Health
Context:
This article emphasizes the necessity for immediate measures to combat AMR, particularly in low- and middle-income nations where the prevalence of infectious diseases is significant, and access to effective antimicrobials is restricted.
About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change over time, rendering medicines ineffective, leading to more challenging infections and a higher risk of disease transmission, severe illness, and death.
Causes of AMR
- Resistance in bacteria can develop naturally through genetic mutation or transmission of resistance genes from one species to another.
- AMR can also arise spontaneously due to random mutations or the spread of resistant genes via horizontal gene transfer.
Main causes of AMR
- Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
- Lack of access to clean water and sanitation
- Inadequate infection prevention and control measures
- Insufficient awareness of AMR
Health Concerns
- A 2021 Lancet report revealed that 4.95 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR, with 1.27 million directly attributed to it.
- The scale of AMR’s impact is comparable to diseases like HIV and malaria.
- Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the highest death rates, indicating their vulnerability to AMR.
Main drivers of AMR
- Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials
- Lack of access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for both humans and animals
Initiatives by India to combat AMR
- India’s National Action Plan (NAP) for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), released in April 2017, aims to increase awareness, enhance surveillance, promote research, and improve infection prevention and control.
- The Delhi Declaration on AMR, involving inter-ministerial consensus and signed by ministers of concerned ministries, seeks to address AMR with a mission mode approach, engaging research institutes, civil society, industry, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and promoting public-private partnerships.
- The Antibiotic Stewardship Program (AMSP), initiated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is being piloted in 20 tertiary care hospitals across India to regulate the use of antibiotics in hospital wards and ICUs.
- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has banned 40 inappropriate fixed dose combinations (FDCs) based on recommendations from the ICMR.
- Colistin, a growth promoter in animal feed, has been banned through collaborative efforts by the ICMR, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries, and the DCGI.
- A One Health approach is being implemented, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration at the human-animal-environmental interface, focusing on priority areas such as zoonotic diseases, food safety, and antibiotic resistance.
- The Integrated One Health Surveillance Network for AMR project, conducted by the ICMR in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agriculture Research, assesses the readiness of Indian Veterinary laboratories to participate in an integrated AMR surveillance network.
Way Forward
- Develop regional action plans in coordination with G20 nations to combat AMR, including strategies for surveillance, research, and control.
- Establish dedicated international funding to support AMR research, creation of new antibiotics, treatments, and technologies.
- Promote patent reforms to encourage innovation and affordability in new antibiotics, considering models like the Medicines Patent Pool.
- Prioritize the implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) for AMR at the country level, with specific strategies.
- Expand monitoring networks to gather data, understand the extent of AMR, and develop innovative interventions.
- Utilize initiatives like Free Diagnostic Services and Kayakalp to strengthen AMR containment with improved healthcare services and strict protocols.
- Educate citizens about antibiotic dangers, promote responsible antibiotic use, reducing unnecessary prescriptions and misuse.
- Engage academia for understanding the environmental dimensions, technology development, and healthcare professional training. CSOs can raise awareness and advocate for policy changes.
- Learn from countries like Indonesia, Australia, Brazil, the UK, and the US with successful AMR strategies.
Source: IE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and why is it urgent for India to combat it?
Answer: AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms, such as bacteria, to resist the effects of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs. It’s urgent for India to combat AMR because it poses a significant threat to public health. If left unchecked, AMR can lead to treatment failures, higher mortality rates, and increased healthcare costs.
FAQ 2: How can India play a leadership role in combating AMR?
Answer: India can lead by example through measures such as promoting responsible antibiotic use in healthcare and agriculture, implementing stricter regulations on antibiotic production and sales, and investing in research and development for new antibiotics and alternative treatment methods. By taking proactive steps, India can inspire other nations to follow suit.
FAQ 3: What are the consequences of not addressing AMR in India?
Answer: Failing to address AMR in India can result in a rise in untreatable infections, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. It could also lead to economic losses due to decreased productivity and rising healthcare costs, affecting the overall well-being of the population.
FAQ 4: How can India collaborate with international partners in combating AMR?
Answer: India can collaborate by sharing best practices, research findings, and participating in global initiatives like the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on AMR. Collaborative efforts can involve information exchange, joint research projects, and coordinated actions to address AMR on a global scale.
FAQ 5: What role can the pharmaceutical industry in India play in the fight against AMR?
Answer: The Indian pharmaceutical industry, one of the largest in the world, can play a pivotal role by adhering to responsible antibiotic manufacturing practices, promoting judicious use of antibiotics, and investing in the development of new, effective antibiotics. Industry leaders can set examples for others and support research that addresses the growing challenge of AMR.
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