Source: The post “The looming threat of antimicrobial resistance” has been created, based on “The looming threat of antimicrobial resistance” published in “BusinessLine” on 28th January 2026.
UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper-3-Science and technology
Context: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites develop resistance to medicines that were earlier effective. It has become a serious public health challenge, causing nearly 1.27 million deaths globally every year according to the WHO. In India, high disease burden, easy availability of antibiotics, and weak regulation worsen the problem. The Prime Minister’s recent appeal for responsible antibiotic use highlights the urgency of addressing this growing threat.
Challenges Related to AMR
- Misuse and Overuse of Antibiotics: Antibiotics are frequently used without proper medical advice for viral infections such as colds and flu, where they are ineffective. Patients often discontinue treatment midway, which allows partially resistant bacteria to survive and multiply. In hospitals, excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics accelerates resistance.
- Lack of Public Awareness: A large section of the population is unaware of the long-term consequences of antibiotic misuse. Many people practice self-medication or rely on informal healthcare providers. This leads to irrational consumption and weakens the effectiveness of existing drugs.
- Weak Diagnostic Infrastructure: In many rural and semi-urban areas, proper diagnostic facilities are unavailable. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics without laboratory confirmation to save time. This empirical treatment increases unnecessary use and promotes resistance.
- Inadequate Surveillance and Monitoring: India lacks a comprehensive and real-time national surveillance system for AMR. Data on resistant strains is fragmented and limited to select institutions. This makes it difficult to design targeted interventions and predict future risks.
- Limited Research and Innovation: Pharmaceutical companies show limited interest in developing new antibiotics due to low profitability and high research costs. Public investment in antimicrobial research is also insufficient. As a result, the pipeline for new drugs remains weak.
- Poor Implementation of Guidelines: The Indian Council of Medical Research has issued guidelines for rational antibiotic use. However, compliance remains uneven across public and private healthcare facilities. Lack of monitoring and accountability weakens their effectiveness.
- Unregulated Sale of Drugs: Antibiotics are easily available over the counter despite legal restrictions. Many pharmacies sell medicines without valid prescriptions. This encourages indiscriminate use and self-medication.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Public Awareness: The government should launch nationwide campaigns similar to those for polio and tuberculosis. These campaigns must educate people about completing prescribed doses and avoiding self-medication. Community health workers can play an important role in spreading awareness.
- Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: District and sub-district hospitals must be equipped with modern laboratories and diagnostic tools. Timely and accurate testing will enable doctors to prescribe targeted antibiotics. This will reduce unnecessary drug use.
- Capacity Building of Doctors: Regular training programmes should be conducted on rational prescription practices. Medical curricula must include AMR management and stewardship principles. Continuous professional development will improve clinical decision-making.
- Strengthening Regulation: Strict enforcement of laws against over-the-counter sale of antibiotics is essential. Digital prescription systems can help monitor drug distribution. Regulatory agencies must be strengthened with adequate manpower and technology.
- Promoting Research and Innovation: The government should increase funding for antimicrobial research and vaccine development. Public-private partnerships can encourage innovation. Incentives should be provided to pharmaceutical companies for developing new drugs.
- Enhancing Surveillance Systems: India should expand the National AMR Surveillance Network to cover all States and districts. Real-time data sharing between hospitals and laboratories must be ensured. This will help in early detection and policy formulation.
- Multi-sectoral Coordination: AMR is linked to human health, animal husbandry, agriculture, and the environment. A “One Health” approach should be adopted to coordinate actions across sectors. A dedicated national platform can ensure the effective implementation of policies.
Conclusion: Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious threat to India’s healthcare system and economic stability. It can reverse decades of medical progress if left unaddressed. The Prime Minister’s appeal provides momentum for sustained action. Through awareness, regulation, infrastructure development, research, and inter-sectoral coordination, India can effectively combat AMR and ensure long-term public health security.
Question: “Antimicrobial Resistance is emerging as one of the biggest threats to global public health and economic development.” Discuss the major challenges posed by AMR in India and suggest suitable measures to address them.
Source: BusinessLine
