Government Strengthens Surveillance to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

29 Mar 2025 CW Team

Key Government Initiatives on AMR Surveillance Through NARS-Net National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (NARS-Net) is operational across the country, monitoring nine priority pathogens isolated from clinical samples for specific drug-bug combinations.

Annual reports on AMR surveillance data (2017–2023) are available at: NCDC AMR Reports.

ICMR Study on AMR Awareness – The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted studies in collaboration with AMR surveillance partners to assess public and healthcare professionals' knowledge on AMR.

Public Awareness and Regulatory Measures Red Line Awareness Campaign – Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this campaign urges people not to use medicines marked with a red vertical line (including antibiotics) without a doctor's prescription.

Regulatory Framework – Antibiotics are classified under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring strict caution labelling and sale only with a registered medical practitioner's prescription. The National Treatment Guidelines ensure judicious antibiotic use, while the Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control aim to reduce healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic misuse.

Mass Awareness Initiatives Multimedia Awareness Materials – Posters, videos, radio jingles on the responsible use of antibiotics, and hand hygiene messages are available in 12 regional languages for dissemination across States and Union Territories.

World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) – The National Programme on AMR Containment organises annual awareness drives targeting healthcare workers and the general public.

These strategic interventions underline the Government’s commitment to combating AMR, ensuring responsible antibiotic use, and safeguarding public health against the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.

The Government of India has intensified its efforts to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) through a comprehensive surveillance network and targeted awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to monitor resistant pathogens, educate healthcare professionals and the public, and promote the judicious use of antibiotics. Key Government Initiatives on AMR Surveillance Through NARS-Net National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (NARS-Net) is operational across the country, monitoring nine priority pathogens isolated from clinical samples for specific drug-bug combinations. Annual reports on AMR surveillance data (2017–2023) are available at: NCDC AMR Reports. ICMR Study on AMR Awareness – The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted studies in collaboration with AMR surveillance partners to assess public and healthcare professionals' knowledge on AMR. Public Awareness and Regulatory Measures Red Line Awareness Campaign – Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, this campaign urges people not to use medicines marked with a red vertical line (including antibiotics) without a doctor's prescription. Regulatory Framework – Antibiotics are classified under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring strict caution labelling and sale only with a registered medical practitioner's prescription. The National Treatment Guidelines ensure judicious antibiotic use, while the Guidelines on Infection Prevention and Control aim to reduce healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic misuse. Mass Awareness Initiatives Multimedia Awareness Materials – Posters, videos, radio jingles on the responsible use of antibiotics, and hand hygiene messages are available in 12 regional languages for dissemination across States and Union Territories. World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW) – The National Programme on AMR Containment organises annual awareness drives targeting healthcare workers and the general public. These strategic interventions underline the Government’s commitment to combating AMR, ensuring responsible antibiotic use, and safeguarding public health against the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.

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