Why is it in the news?
- The Kerala government launches Operation ‘AMRITH’ to address the growing concern of anti-microbial resistance.
- AMRITH, an acronym for Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health, reflects the state’s commitment to combatting this health challenge.
More about the news
- Initiated by the Kerala Drug Control Department.
- Its primary Objective is to mitigate the misuse of antibiotics.
- Its operational goal is to conduct unannounced inspections at retail pharmacies to identify over-the-counter sales of antibiotics without proper prescriptions.
- Pharmacies mandated to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales, strictly adhere to prescription regulations, and prominently display a poster emphasizing ‘antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription.’
- The strategy follows a multi-sectoral approach, aligning with India’s National Action Plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR).
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR)
| Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) | About |
| Definition | – Refers to the ability of bacteria and microbes to resist drugs intended to inhibit or kill them. |
| Global Impact | – Considered a ‘silent pandemic,’ responsible for approximately 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019. |
| Causes of AMR | – Overuse of Antibiotics: Excessive and inappropriate use contributes to the development of resistant strains. |
| – Lack of Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Poor sanitation conditions exacerbate the spread of infections. | |
| – Incomplete Treatment: Patients not completing prescribed antibiotic courses. | |
| – Inadequate Infection Control in Hospitals: Poor management of infections contributes to the spread of resistant strains. | |
| Steps Taken by Indian Government to Control AMR | – National Action Plan for AMR: Comprehensive strategy at the national level. |
| – Delhi Declaration on AMR: Inter-ministerial consensus committing various ministries to support containment efforts. | |
| – Antibiotic Stewardship Program (AMSP): Launched by ICMR to prevent antibiotic overuse in hospitals. | |
| – Ban on Colistin Use: Prohibition on the use of colistin as a growth promoter. | |
| – ‘One Health’ Concept Advancement: Integrated approach considering the health of people, animals, and the environment. |
