ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE (AMR)

News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ (December 2025) address, brought Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) into national public discourse, and why public awareness alone is not sufficient unless surveillance systems are strengthened using a One Health approach.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• Occurs when microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) develop the ability to resist the effects of medicines, especially antibiotics.
• Common infections like pneumonia and UTIs become harder to treat

Significance of the ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Reference

In the 129th edition of Mann Ki Baat (Dec 28, 2025), PM Modi:

• Cited data from Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)
• Highlighted declining effectiveness of antibiotics
• Identified the root cause: “Thoughtless and indiscriminate use of antibiotics”

Current Status of AMR Surveillance in India

India’s National AMR Surveillance Network (NARS-Net):

• Established in 2013
• Operates under National Centre for Disease Control
• Comprises 60 sentinel medical college labs

Provides data to:

• World Health Organization
• Specifically, its GLASS platform (Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System)
• However, for GLASS 2023 report, data came from only:41 sites,31 States/UTs

Global Framework Reference

Recalls the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR (2015) which has 5 pillars:

• Awareness & understanding
• Surveillance & research
• Infection prevention
• Rational antimicrobial use
• Investment in new drugs, diagnostics & vaccines

Conclusion

• Mann Ki Baat is a powerful awareness tool but AMR is already at an advanced stage

Requires:

• Expanded surveillance
• One Health integration
• Strong political will
• Long-term investments