Government Allocates Rs 919 Lakh for AMR Initiatives in 2023-24
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Indian government has allocated Rs 919 lakh for 2023-24 to enhance awareness and surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This increase reflects a commitment to tackle the growing AMR challenge through various initiatives including a national surveillance network and public awareness campaigns.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 919 lakh allocated for AMR in 2023-24.
- Funding increased from Rs 666.89 lakh in 2021-22.
- Implementation of NARS-Net for AMR surveillance.
- Public campaign to raise awareness about AMR.
- Strict regulations on antibiotic prescriptions.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) The Union government has declared an allocation of Rs 919 lakh aimed at enhancing surveillance and raising awareness about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) for the fiscal year 2023-24.
In a formal response presented in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav detailed the measures being taken by the government to address the challenge posed by AMR in the nation.
He highlighted that the funding has seen a significant rise from Rs 666.89 lakh in 2021-22 to Rs 777.81 lakh in 2022-23, culminating in the current year's allocation of Rs 919 lakh.
According to Jadhav, the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance network, known as NARS-Net, is operational in the country.
“AMR-surveillance of 9 priority pathogens isolated from specified clinical samples for designated drug-bug combinations is executed via NARS-Net, adhering to the programme's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP),” stated the MoS.
He also referenced a study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in partnership with AMR surveillance collaborators focused on knowledge and awareness levels.
Moreover, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has initiated a campaign called the Red Line awareness campaign concerning Antimicrobial Resistance.
The campaign encourages the public to avoid using medications marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without consulting a physician, Jadhav mentioned.
Importantly, antibiotics are categorized under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
“These medications are subject to specific cautionary labeling requirements and are dispensed solely with a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner,” Jadhav added.
