Health Ministry says new five-year action plan focuses on antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance and curbing irrational antibiotic use
The Central Government has strengthened surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial consumption across the human, animal, food and environmental sectors under the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2.0, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav informed the Rajya Sabha.
The information was shared in a written reply to questions raised by MPs Swati Maliwal and Shri Rajeev Shukla. The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2.0 is India’s strategic five-year roadmap (2025–2029), launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to combat drug resistance through antimicrobial stewardship, multi-sectoral coordination and strengthened surveillance systems.
The Minister said the action plan promotes the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare institutions, aligns with national surveillance networks and prioritises behaviour change communication and public awareness campaigns. These initiatives target healthcare professionals, veterinarians, farmers and the general public to encourage the rational and judicious use of antimicrobial medicines.
The MPs had sought details on the government’s response to the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance caused by the inappropriate, excessive and non-prescription use of antibiotics. They also asked about measures to monitor antibiotic consumption, prevent over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without valid prescriptions, strengthen surveillance mechanisms and promote responsible antibiotic use.
Responding to the queries, Jadhav said the Government is fully aware of the growing public health threat posed by antimicrobial resistance and has adopted a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to address the issue.
He informed the House that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) regulates the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed under it.
The Minister further stated that the sale and distribution of medicines are regulated by the State Licensing Authorities under the Drugs Rules, 1945. State Drug Controllers and other stakeholders have also been sensitised regarding the illegal sale of prescription medicines without prescriptions issued by Registered Medical Practitioners.
He added that the Centre has issued several notices, advisories and official communications to State Drug Controllers and other stakeholders, directing strict compliance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules to prevent the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and promote their rational use.
