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Health Ministry finalises action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance

Responsible use of antibiotics is key for the containment of antimicrobial resistance in India

J P Nadda
J P Nadda
BS B2B Bureau New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 20 2017 | 12:37 PM IST
The Minister of Health and Family Welfare has finalised comprehensive and multi-sectoral national action plan to combat the menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India.

Announcing this at the ‘Inter-ministerial consultation on AMR containment’ meeting in New Delhi yesterday, J P Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, said “Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society and is driven by many interconnected factors. Single, isolated interventions have limited impact and coordinated action is required to minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.” 

Meeting was also attended by Ram Vila Paswan, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Anil Dave, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; and Anupriya Patel, MoS (Health & Family Welfare). 

The ministers later signed a ‘Delhi Declaration’ for collectively strategising to contain AMR – pledging to adopt a holistic and collaborative approach towards prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance in India. Declaration calls on all stakeholders including UN, WHO, FAO and other UN agencies, civil society organisations etc, to support the development and implementation of the national and state action plans on AMR. 

J P Nadda said, “Health Ministry is at the receiving end as there are various layers and every layer needs to be addressed. We are working in the direction of pulling out malaise of AMR from the root. The action plan has been prepared through extensive national consultations with various stakeholders.”

In alignment with global practice, India’s action plan has objectives of enhancing awareness, strengthening surveillance, improving rational use of antibiotics, reducing infections and promoting research. In addition, India aims to support neighbouring countries in collective fight against infectious diseases. 

“This is a landmark occasion. We are ready with a blueprint that meets global expectations. The challenge now is in its efficient implementation through a coordinated approach at all levels of use of antibiotics,” said Nadda and urged all state governments to develop state-specific action plans and assured them of all possible assistance. 

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