(a) the programme of the Government to track and contain antimicrobial resistance (AMR);
(b) the details of the steps taken by the Government to stop the availability of antibiotics over-the-counter in pharmacies without proper prescription by the doctor;
(c) the deaths due to septicemia/AMR during the last five years; and
(d) the details of the steps taken by the Government to combat the increasing trends of fungal infections due to AMR?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)
(a): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched a “National Programme on Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)” coordinated by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Under the programme, various AMR containment activities are conducted:
a. A laboratory-based AMR surveillance system in the country has been established to generate quality data on antimicrobial resistance to understand geographical trends of AMR.
b. National Guidelines have been developed and training of trainers is conducted for all the states in phased manner.
c. Surveillance of antimicrobial usage in various centres.
d. Generate awareness amongst health care providers and community on Antimicrobial resistance and rational use of Antimicrobials.
(b): Manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs including antibiotics in the country are regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 thereunder through a system of licensing and inspection. Licenses for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are granted by the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by respective State Governments.
Following measures have been taken by the Ministry to curb the misuse of antibiotics:
• Antibiotics are included in Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and are required to be sold by retail only under the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.
• The Schedule H1 under the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945 which includes antibiotic drugs, Anti TB drugs and certain habit forming drugs has been notified. The drugs falling under Schedule H1 are required to be sold in the country with certain strict conditions.
(c) & (d): The National Programme on AMR Containment is coordinated by NCDC. The containment strategies under surveillance of AMR in fungal pathogens include strengthening Infection Prevention and control to prevent spread of AMR in health care facilities and support containment of AMR in fungal pathogens. Indian Council of Medical Research collects and monitors/tracks data on the trends and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of clinically important fungi.
*******