Govt strengthens Antimicrobial Resistance surveillance under National Action Plan: Health Ministry
Delhi: The government has strengthened the surveillance system for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial consumption across the human, animal, food, and environment sectors under the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0), Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, informed the Rajya Sabha.
The information was shared in a written reply in reply to questions raised by MP MS Swati Maliwal and MP Shri Rajeev Shukla. The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2.0 is India's strategic 5-year blueprint (2025–2029) launched by MoHFW to combat drug resistance through optimized stewardship, multi-sectoral coordination, and robust surveillance.
Jadhav pointed out that the action plan promotes implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare settings, aligns with surveillance networks, and prioritises behaviour change communication and public awareness campaigns targeting all stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, veterinarians, farmers, and the community, to promote rational and judicious use of antimicrobials.
The MPs sought to know whether the Government has taken note of the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance due to inappropriate and non-prescriptive use of antibiotics resulting in their misuse and overuse; the steps taken to monitor antibiotic consumption and prevent the sale of antibiotics without proper prescription.
They also asked whether a national strategy has been implemented to address antimicrobial resistance and strengthen surveillance mechanisms to promote responsible antibiotic use; and the measures taken to promote awareness and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship among healthcare professionals and the general public regarding the rational use of antibiotics.
Responding to the questions, the Minister informed that the government is aware of the growing challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the country. To address this public health concern, the government has taken a number of strategic and coordinated measures across sectors. The Government of India, through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), regulates the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs under the provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 & its rules.
Moreover, the sale and distribution of drugs is regulated by State Licensing Authorities under Drugs Rules 1945. Further, the State Drugs Controllers/other stakeholders have been sensitized about concerns regarding sale of prescription drugs by retail without prescription of Registered Medical Practitioners. Various Notices/Advisories/Letters have been issued to State Drugs Controllers and other stakeholders for strict compliance of the requirements of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules, added the minister.
