AMR poses one of humanity’s top challenges: Experts

New Delhi: At EuroAsia 2024, global experts convened to address the alarming rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a burgeoning threat impacting health systems worldwide.

Highlighting India’s stark reality, where AMR has already claimed 1.2 million lives, with projections estimating a staggering 10 million deaths by 2050, specialists emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat this crisis.

AMR poses one of humanity’s top challenges, affecting humans, animals, and the environment alike. Experts, including prominent figures such as Dr. Bharat Jagiasi, Dr. Pradip Bhattacharya, and Dr. Srinivas Samavedam, stressed the imperative of adopting a ‘One Health’ approach. This holistic strategy integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts, crucial for effective antimicrobial stewardship.

Effectively tackling AMR requires a comprehensive approach that includes setting up surveillance and tracking systems, practising antibiotic stewardship, and implementing measures for infection prevention and control.

Dr. Bharat Jagiasi, General Secretary of ISCCM, stated, “The resistance to antibiotics is leading to longer hospital stays, longer treatment and mortality. There is a need to aggressively strengthen the fight against AMR and adopt One Health stewardship practices to tackle the global AMR challenge. Implementing effective public campaigns can educate the public on the antimicrobials prescribed. It is necessary to improve and strengthen hygiene measures and prevent the spread of infections. Antibiotic resistance has accelerated the spread of resistant bacteria known as “superbugs,” which will put an immense strain on health systems and countries’ economies, which can result in increased hospitalizations and deaths.”

Prof. Dr. Pradip Bhattacharya, President of ISCCM, emphasized, “The One Health concept highlights the critical need to control antibiotic consumption. The medical fraternity must exercise caution in prescribing antibiotics to avoid unnecessary risks and should adopt a judicious approach through stewardship programs. Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics is a key factor fueling the emergence of resistant bacteria, complicating the treatment of common infections and heightening the likelihood of severe outcomes and death. Apart from this, limited awareness among the general public and patients about AMR hinders effective prevention measures.”

Dr. Srinivas Samavedam, President-Elect of ISCCM, highlighted, “Multiple stakeholders and each one has a role to play in AMR control. After COVID-19 specially Stewardship is needed which is the right drug, right time, right bug, and right dose. The patient needs 36 to 48 hours for any antibiotic to be effective, a little trust is required from the patient. However, the patients take a 2nd opinion and change dosage. Pharmacies are also required to adhere to the norms and putting a red strip on a medicine means that it should be sold with a prescription. It is also the industry’s responsibility to sell the highest level of antibiotics to the right audience and  ISCCM has always been at the forefront of AMR’s battle.”

Dr. Pradeep Rangappa, leading critical care specialist and former secretary of ISCCM, pointed out, “India is the 3rd largest consumer of antibiotics. 30 to 60% of the time,  an antibiotic will be inappropriate and needs to be curtailed. The Indian government has created a national action plan to curtail antibiotic consumption. We have come out with guidelines on surveillance and how resistance patterns are progressing. India is in a serious situation,  so checks and balances need to come in place at the pharmacy level.”

Dr. Rajesh Pande, Eminent intensive care expert and principal Director, of BLK MAX Super Specialty Hospital, addressed, “AMR needs to be tackled through a multi-disciplinary approach. Antibiotic consumption needs to be judiciously used both- inside and outside the hospital through monitoring over-the-counter medication of antibiotics. AMR prevalence is increasing, but unfortunately, the pipeline of new antibiotics is running dry. Pharmaceutical companies need to introduce more newer anti-infectives to treat the drug-resistant bacteria since the pathogens have developed resistance to the majority of the current anti-infectives available in the market.”