IMA Launches National Alliance of Medical Professionals to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance
New Delhi: In a monumental step towards addressing the critical issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) hosted the first National Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAMP-AMR). This groundbreaking initiative brought together leaders and representatives from 52 medical speciality organizations across the country, united in their commitment to tackling this escalating health crisis.
Dr Narendra Saini, Chairman of the IMA AMR, opened the meeting by highlighting the silent yet pervasive threat of AMR to the nation. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that AMR represents a significant, albeit often overlooked, health challenge. "AMR poses a significant threat to the health of our Nation. In 2019, there were 2,97,000 deaths attributable to AMR and 10,42,500 deaths associated with AMR in our country. The formation of NAMP-AMR by the Indian Medical Association marks the beginning of a concerted National effort to tackle this crisis head-on," stated Dr Saini.
Dr R.V. Asokan, National President of IMA, reassured the delegates of IMA’s steadfast dedication to combating AMR. "This historic day is a testament to what we can achieve together. IMA is ready to render its full support to the Government and is committed to leading by example on the Global stage in the fight against AMR," he declared.
Dr VK Paul from NITI Aayog, serving as the Chief Guest, reiterated the government's commitment to addressing AMR. He warned that ignoring AMR could severely hinder the nation's progress, impacting prosperity, GDP, and various health metrics. Dr Paul highlighted the government's development of National Action Plan (NAP) 2.0 for AMR and commended the IMA's NAMP-AMR initiative as a crucial and timely endeavour. He emphasized the importance of unifying all organizations under a single banner to transform this effort into a national movement. Dr. Paul outlined six critical pillars in the fight against AMR: Education & Awareness, Promotion of Diagnostics, Role of Prevention, Judicious Use of Antibiotics, Research & Development, and Governance & Collaboration.
Dr Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, highlighted the critical need for enhanced medical education and training. "Understanding when and how to use antibiotics effectively is important. Strengthening our medical education will help in improving the quality of medical practice. We need to start from basics," he noted.
Ms Payden, Deputy Head of WHO India, underscored the global urgency of tackling AMR, predicting it could become the leading cause of death by 2050. She praised the recent endorsements from the World Health Assembly and stressed the necessity of a collaborative approach to this worldwide threat. Dr Anuj Sharma, Team Focal Point for AMR & IPC at WHO, expressed gratitude to the 52 medical organizations that joined forces to establish NAMP-AMR. "Each Medical Association and Organization should strive to be a Champion of AMR," said Ms Payden.
The National Alliance of Medical Professionals on AMR signifies a unified commitment to confronting one of the most urgent health emergencies of our time. Through strategic planning, collaborative efforts, and strong governmental support, the IMA's NAMP-AMR initiative aims to spearhead global efforts to mitigate the impact of Antimicrobial Resistance.
Dr Venkatesh Karthikeyan, National Convenor, IMA AMR stated, "IMA has taken a historical step in the battle against Antimicrobial Resistance - the formation of the "National Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance" (NAMP AMR). 52 medical associations/organization have collaborated, along with leaders from NITI Aayog, MoHFW, WHO, DGHS, NCDC and NABH, among others."
