Tamil Nadu: Action plan underway to prevent antimicrobial resistance

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department is working on the prevention of anti-microbial resistance (AMR) in the state, and will hold meetings with stakeholders to decide on the action plan. Additionally, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have prepared draft action plans to control AMR in their respective states. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, one of the major programmes under the plan is to create awareness among farmers about limiting the use of antibiotics in poultry, aquaculture and livestock to overcome AMR. Another programme is also planned to reduce excessive use of antibiotics by the public for minor ailments.

Senior officials of the state Drugs Control Department said AMR is a growing challenge and a threat to public health as it can lead to loss of lives. “AMR limits the use of antibiotics, antiviral and antifungal drugs in intensive care as they do not act on the bacteria, viruses or fungi responsible for the infection. “This may lead to deaths of critically ill patients as it reduces treatment options and reduces drug utilisation in ICU care,” an official said. The action plan will focus on creating awareness among the public, increasing surveillance on sale of drugs, intensifying infection prevention and control measures in collaboration with the state health department.