Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance: causes, consequences and cure

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is being driven largely by the excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. A significant proportion of patients receive antibiotics without confirmed infections, with most prescriptions given empirically rather than based on laboratory diagnosis. This irrational use accelerates the development of drug-resistant microbes.

AMR now threatens the effective treatment of common infections, increases healthcare costs, and makes routine medical procedures riskier. Addressing the crisis requires stronger surveillance, better prescribing practices, improved diagnostics, public awareness, and coordinated national and global efforts under a One Health approach.

HEALTH FOR ALL IN INDIA

India’s goal of “Health for All” faces major hurdles such as low public health spending, rising non-communicable and infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and persistent gaps in infrastructure and access. Although initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, Health and Wellness Centres, and disease-control programmes have expanded services, missed TB targets and repeated pharmaceutical quality lapses reveal systemic weaknesses. Achieving true universal health coverage will require higher funding, stronger regulation, and a primary healthcare–centred approach.

INDIA’S NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (NAP) ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

India’s NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–2029) adopts a One Health approach and, for the first time, assigns budgeted responsibilities to over 20 ministries. It strengthens governance, surveillance, infection control, and stewardship, but its success depends on funding, regulation of the unorganised sector, and behavioural change.

ANTI - BIOTIC RESISTANCE : MEANING, ISSUES & WAY - FORWARD

MR is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them, Overuse and misuse of antibiotics and Self-medication and incomplete treatment are the causes.

By strengthening public awareness and education and regulating antibiotic drug sales we can help in controlling.

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: MEANING, CHALLENGES, WAY FORWARD

Antibiotic resistance threatens global health as bacteria evolve against drugs. In India, misuse across humans, animals, and agriculture is high. The National Action Plan on AMR enforces surveillance, regulation, and a holistic One Health approach to combat this crisis.