North News
New Delhi, September 27
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to tackle the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) during her intervention at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on AMR. Patel highlighted that “AMR poses a critical threat to global public health, undermining decades of progress in modern medicine.” She stressed the importance of integrating AMR containment strategies into existing health programs, especially those related to pandemic preparedness, health system strengthening, and universal health coverage. The focus, she noted, should be on prevention and mitigation rather than just surveillance.
Patel underscored India’s progress in combating AMR since the launch of its National Action Plan (NAP AMR) in 2017. Key achievements include expanding surveillance networks in both human and animal sectors, reducing hospital-acquired infections through improved infection prevention and control (IPC), and promoting responsible use of antimicrobials across healthcare. “Sanitation, hygiene, and infection control in healthcare facilities have improved through programs under the Clean India Mission,” she added.
Patel also highlighted India’s initiation of a nationwide surveillance program for healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and the implementation of regulations ensuring prescription-based antimicrobial sales. She noted that the National Treatment Guidelines are regularly updated to promote judicious use of antimicrobials.
India’s Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Program, designed for resource-limited settings, was developed to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. Patel emphasized its growing adoption by hospitals across the country. Furthermore, India’s updated NAP-AMR 2.0 prioritizes inter-sectoral collaboration, featuring well-defined monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for various sectors. The existing “One Health” framework will enhance coordination across human, animal, and environmental sectors in combating AMR.
Patel concluded by commending the efforts of UN member states in drafting the High-Level Ministerial Declaration on AMR and reaffirmed India’s commitment to addressing the global AMR challenge.
“India remains fully committed to addressing AMR through comprehensive efforts. By working together, we can mitigate the risks and safeguard the future of public health worldwide,” she said.
