India's AMR Battle: New Plan, Old Hurdles?

The introduction of the second National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) signals a renewed effort to combat a growing public health threat in India. Implementation of the first plan was noted as sluggish, prompting the release of this updated policy. Reports indicate a concerning rise in antibiotic resistance, with about one-third of bacterial infections in India showing resistance to common drugs, far exceeding the global average.

This pervasive issue extends beyond human health, impacting veterinary practices, agriculture, and aquaculture through contaminated soil and water. The 'One Health' strategy, which integrates human, animal, and environmental well-being, is gaining traction as a comprehensive solution to this multifaceted problem. Scientists are pushing for this integrated approach to manage increasing resistance in communities.

While the initial plan raised awareness, its execution was hampered by a lack of potent collaboration with states. Although some progress was made, such as expanding surveillance programs and banning Colistin as a growth factor, effective implementation across all regions remains a challenge. The new action plan must ensure robust state cooperation and address the rampant overuse and misuse of antibiotics to deliver tangible results.