The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, on 18 November, 2025 launched the second edition of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2025-29) ‘AMR 2.0’.
- The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, on 18 November, 2025 launched the second edition of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2025-29) ‘AMR 2.0’.
- Shri Nadda emphasized that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health concern which can only be addressed through collective action. He informed that this journey began in 2010 with initial discussions, after which the first NAP-AMR was launched in 2017.
- He said that AMR poses serious risks especially to surgical procedures, cancer treatments and other critical healthcare interventions.
- He further said that unfortunately the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has become common, which highlights the urgent need for corrective measures. In this regard, several important initiatives have been undertaken by various concerned ministries.
Objective of NAP-AMR 2.0
- Emphasizing the key strategies for AMR prevention to be implemented under NAP-AMR 2.0, he highlighted the importance of increasing awareness, education and training.
- He also highlighted the need to increase laboratory capacity in health service centers and infection control. Shri Nadda emphasized the importance of regular stakeholder meetings to address challenges promptly.
- Kerala and Gujarat are the first states to ban the sale of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops.
Background of NAP-AMR 2.0
- The National Task Force on AMR Control was constituted in 2010, resulting in the development of the National Policy on AMR Control in early 2011. In April 2017, the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) was launched, developed in line with the Global Action Plan (GAP), to be implemented over the next five years (2017-2021).
- Although AMR is a multi-sectoral issue and requires a One Health approach for its control, a One Health approach can only succeed if each sector, namely human, animal, agriculture and environment sectors, is committed to taking action for AMR control.
- Drug-resistant infection (antimicrobial resistance) occurs when microorganisms (such as bacteria) become resistant to antimicrobial drugs (such as antibiotics), making infections difficult to treat.
Government Initiatives:
- AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN): Launched in 2013 to monitor drug-resistant infections.
- National Action Plan on AMR: Launched in 2017 with a “One Health” approach, involving several ministries.
- Antibiotic Stewardship Programme: A pilot project launched by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to control the misuse and excessive use of antibiotics in hospitals.
- National Antibiotic Monitoring Network (NARS-Net): It monitors nine primary bacterial pathogens.
- Drug Restrictions: In August 2024, the government banned 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs.
- Research and Innovation: It supports initiatives like the India AMR Challenge, which helps startups and companies develop solutions.
- Public Awareness: It creates awareness about the use of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription through campaigns like the ‘Red Line’ campaign.
- Global Collaboration: India participates in WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS), which helps standardize data sharing.
