IMA Introduces Certification for Hospitals to Enhance Antimicrobial Practices
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New Delhi, Dec 27 (NationPress) In an effort to tackle the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has unveiled a pioneering initiative known as the “IMA AMR Smart Hospital” certification program, designed to foster accountability and promote best practices in the use of antimicrobials.
Antimicrobial resistance, which refers to the ability of bacteria, fungi, and parasites to resist the effects of antimicrobial agents, has surfaced as one of the most significant threats to global health.
It has become a leading cause of mortality around the globe, with approximately 4.9 million deaths attributed to AMR in 2019 alone. In India, the situation is particularly alarming, as 297,000 deaths were directly linked to AMR, alongside over one million deaths associated with it during the same year.
“The increasing occurrence of AMR is reversing nearly a century of medical progress. If we fail to confront this issue, we may soon encounter a time when even common infections may prove untreatable and deadly,” remarked Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of the IMA AMR Standing Committee.
With an antibiotic prescription rate of 412 per 1,000 individuals, India faces a concerning scenario that significantly contributes to the emergence of resistance among infectious agents.
This forward-thinking program initiated by the IMA aims to address the rising menace of AMR by establishing state-of-the-art Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies within healthcare establishments throughout India.
The initiative emphasizes the enhancement of AMS and IPC efforts, which encompass monitoring AMR trends, improving antimicrobial stewardship, and curtailing the transmission of resistant pathogens in healthcare settings.
“Our hospitals serve as breeding grounds for pathogens, making it vital to adopt stringent IPC and AMS protocols. Through this initiative, we aspire to set standards for safe and efficient healthcare delivery in our battle against AMR,” stated Dr. Anilkumar J Nayak, Honorary Secretary General of IMA.
The pilot phase of the program saw enthusiastic involvement from hospitals nationwide. Registration forms were disseminated to more than 1,700 IMA branches, and through a meticulous selection process, hospitals from various regions and healthcare contexts were selected for participation.
During the pilot, four hospitals received the certification: KD Hospital (Gujarat), Mahavir Jaipuria Rajasthan Hospital (Jaipur), Sehgal Neo Hospital (Delhi), and Ananthapuri Hospital and Research Institute (Kerala).
“These hospitals have established a remarkable standard in the fight against AMR, demonstrating the efficacy of robust AMS and IPC practices,” said Saini.
The IMA AMR Smart Hospital Project stands as a global trailblazer, providing a model that can be replicated and scaled to address AMR at the institutional level. It aligns with global health objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals, by advocating for responsible antibiotic use and thwarting the spread of resistant pathogens.
“The battle against AMR transcends medical challenges; it is a societal obligation. Together, we can secure a safer and healthier future for upcoming generations,” Saini concluded.
