Health Ministry Launches Red Line Campaign to Curb Antibiotic Misuse

New Delhi: A National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance network (NARS-Net) is in place in the country. The list of labs included under the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance network (NARS-Net) is at Annexure I. 

AMR-surveillance of 9 priority pathogens isolated from the identified clinical samples for the defined drug-bug combinations is carried out through NARS-Net, as per the mandate of program Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The details of AMR drugs may be seen at the annual reports of the analysed AMR surveillance data from year 2017 to 2023 at: https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/reports/.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) undertook a study/survey in collaboration with AMR surveillance partner on knowledge and awareness.

Also Read:AMR a global health threat, requires urgent action via one health approach: Anupriya Patel

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India launched Red Line awareness campaign on Antimicrobials Resistance, urging people not to use medicines marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription.

Antibiotics are included in Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945. These drugs have specific caution labelling requirements and are sold only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.

Government has issued National Treatment guidelines for judicious use of antibiotics. The Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control aims at prevention and control of healthcare associated infections to reduce the use of antibiotics in healthcare settings that can be accessed at https://ncdc.mohfw.gov.in/antimicrobial-resistance-amr-containment/.

To raise awareness about AMR and to prevent misuse of antibiotics, awareness generation materials on AMR includes posters, videos, radio jingles on judicious use of antibiotics and on prevention of infections through hand hygiene have been made available for stakeholders. The media material in 12 local languages have been developed on AMR related information and shared with States & UTs.

National Programme on AMR Containment conducts activities to raise awareness on AMR among health care workers and community during World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) held every year. The fund allocated for year 2021-22, 2022-23 & 2023-24 Rs. 666.89 lakhs, Rs. 777.81 lakhs and Rs. 919 lakhs respectively.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Also Read:IMA launches Smart Hospital Certification on AMR