IMA forms National Alliance of Medical Professionals to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has launched a groundbreaking initiative, the National Alliance of Medical Professionals on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAMP-AMR), to combat the rising threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). This alliance unites leaders and representatives from 52 medical specialty organizations and associations nationwide, marking the beginning of a coordinated national effort to address this critical health issue.

AMR is a significant and growing threat, responsible for 297,000 deaths and associated with 1,042,500 deaths in India in 2019 alone. Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of IMA AMR, emphasized the severity of the situation, describing it as a “silent pandemic” that demands urgent action. “The formation of NAMP-AMR by the Indian Medical Association marks the beginning of a concerted national effort to tackle this crisis head-on,” stated Dr. Saini.

The government’s commitment to addressing AMR was reinforced by Dr. VK Paul from NITI Aayog, who highlighted the potential impact of AMR on Viksit Bharat, GDP, and overall health. He praised the IMA’s initiative, describing it as a right step in the right direction. Dr. Paul stressed the importance of uniting all organizations under one banner to transform this into a national movement.

Payden, Deputy Head of WHO India, emphasized the global urgency of addressing AMR, projecting it as a potential leading cause of death by 2050. She stressed the importance of a collaborative approach to this global threat. Dr. Anuj Sharma, Team focal point for AMR & IPC, WHO, expressed gratitude to the 52 medical organizations and associations that came together for the formation of NAMP-AMR.

Enhanced medical education and training are vital in improving the quality of medical practice and combating AMR. Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services, highlighted the need to understand when and how to use antibiotics effectively. He emphasized that starting from the basics and strengthening medical education is crucial for healthcare professionals to contribute to better healthcare practices and combat AMR.

Through collaborative efforts, strategic planning, and governmental support, the Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) initiative aims to lead the way in global efforts to mitigate the impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).