Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon that occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to become resistant to antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective in treating infections caused by those microorganisms

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified AMR as one of the top ten threats to global health.

• Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”

Reasons

• Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials

• Lack of access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene for both humans and animals

• Poor infection and disease prevention and control

• Poor access to quality, affordable medicines, vaccines and diagnostics.

The H1 rule

• In 2011, the Indian government introduced the H1 rule to prohibit the over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a prescription, responding to the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

• In 2013, following the Chennai Declaration document and initiative by medical societies in India, the Indian government modified the rule to limit the OTC restriction to second- and third-line antibiotics, allowing the sale of first-line antibiotics without a prescription.

Operation AMRITH (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention for Total Health)

• The Kerala Drug Control Department has taken a proactive step to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health).

• It aims to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state by conducting surprise raids in pharmacies and detecting over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

• Pharmacies are now required to maintain records of antibiotic sales and display posters stating “antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription.”

  
  

• The PA-100 AST System:

  It identifies the bacteria causing the infection and performs antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine an effective antibiotic in under 45 minutes.