The Indian government is intensifying its efforts to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a robust national surveillance network and comprehensive awareness campaigns. This press release was issued on March 28, 2025.
India has established a nationwide surveillance network, NARS-Net, comprising a network of laboratories, to monitor AMR patterns across the country. This network tracks the resistance of nine priority pathogens to various drugs, providing crucial data for informed public health interventions.
The NARS-Net adheres to a standardized operating procedure (SOP) for AMR surveillance, and annual reports detailing analyzed data from 2017 to 2023 are available on the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) website.
Awareness and Education
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted studies to assess public knowledge and awareness of AMR.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the “Red Line” awareness campaign, urging people to avoid using medicines marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription.
Antibiotics are classified under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring specific labeling and prescription by registered medical practitioners.
The government has issued national treatment guidelines for the judicious use of antibiotics, and guidelines on infection prevention and control.
The government has developed awareness materials, including posters, videos, and radio jingles, in 12 local languages to educate the public about AMR and promote responsible antibiotic use and hand hygiene.
The National Programme on AMR Containment conducts awareness activities during World Antibiotic Awareness Week (WAAW), targeting both healthcare workers and the general public.
The government has allocated significant funds for AMR containment activities, with increasing budgets over the past three fiscal years:
- 2021-22: Rs. 666.89 lakhs
- 2022-23: Rs. 777.81 lakhs
- 2023-24: Rs. 919 lakhs
