In response to India's growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenge, Orchid Pharma has launched Orchid AMS, a new division dedicated to improving antimicrobial stewardship and combating this silent pandemic. The project comes as India grapples with AMR-related difficulties, which caused over 1 million fatalities in 2019, emerging as the country's third biggest cause of death.

To support its efforts, Orchid AMS will hold a National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance on November 25, 2024, bringing together healthcare specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders. Dr. V.K. Paul, a member of NITI Aayog, will be the keynote speaker at the event, which is anticipated to lay out a strategy to address this growing public health concern.

In an exclusive interview with Drug Today Medical Times, Dr. Prabhu Vinayagam, Medical Advisor at Orchid AMS, discussed the particular issues that make India a hotspot for AMR.

"A complex interplay of factors, including widespread antibiotic misuse, weak regulation, inadequate infection control, environmental contamination, and limited public awareness, drives the rapid emergence of AMR in India, particularly among bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonia," he said while replying to a question.

To combat the situation, India implemented strategies such as the National Policy for Containment of Antimicrobial Resistance (NPC-AMR) and the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR). However, implementation issues have limited their usefulness.

Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) have emerged as an important method for controlling AMR. These systems ensure the appropriate selection, dosing, and administration of antibiotics to prevent misuse.

Dr. Vinayagam explained that antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) are crucial for minimizing improper prescribing, improving treatment results, and saving healthcare costs. However, resource restrictions, cultural hurdles, and inadequate diagnostic infrastructure hinder their effectiveness in India.

He emphasized the importance of widespread acceptance of alternative treatments, such as immunizations, non-antibiotic therapies, and supportive care, which can minimize reliance on antibiotics and relieve pressure on healthcare systems.

India's healthcare system confronts numerous challenges in implementing successful AMR policies, particularly in rural regions. Limited access to timely diagnostic technologies, insufficient infrastructure, and fragmented regulatory enforcement all contribute to the issue.

"In many rural areas, healthcare providers lack the necessary tools for accurate diagnosis, leading to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics," says Dr. Vinayagam.

To solve these challenges, he proposed increasing point-of-care testing, enhancing primary healthcare networks, and using telemedicine for remote consultations and diagnostics.

Stressing that long-term repercussions of AMR are serious, endangering public health and economic stability, Dr. Vinayagam warned that AMR could lead to high healthcare expenditures, higher mortality, and decreased economic productivity in India. “Without concerted actions, the burden will only get greater,” he said.

Experts view public education and partnerships with the commercial sector as essential elements in mitigating these dangers. Campaigns to promote awareness about the risks of inappropriate antibiotic use, combined with stricter limits on antibiotic sales and agricultural use, can help reduce resistance. Meanwhile, collaboration with industries can encourage responsible drug development and ensure the long-term use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture.

The National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, presented by Orchid AMS, will provide a forum for coordinating efforts across sectors. The event, which brings together politicians, healthcare specialists, and industry executives, aims to drive practical measures to combat the rise of AMR in India.

With efforts like Orchid AMS and a renewed emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship, India has a chance to address one of the most important public health issues of our time. However, as experts point out, long-term commitment and cross-sector collaboration will be required to ensure a healthier and more resilient future.