Operation Amrith

In January 2024, Kerala’s Drugs Control Department launched Operation Amrith to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) by regulating the sale of antibiotics.

About Operation Amrith:

• Operation Amrith (AMRITH – Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) was launched by Kerala’s Drugs Control Department to prevent antibiotic overuse.
• It aims to end the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics in Kerala.
• Part of the larger Kerala Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP).

Regulatory Measures:

• Pharmacies are required to keep accurate sales records of antibiotics.
• Mandatory display of notices stating antibiotics are not sold without a doctor’s prescription.
• Strict action against non-compliant pharmacies and medical stores.

Public Participation and Reporting:

• The public is encouraged to report pharmacies selling antibiotics without a prescription.
• Toll-free number (18004253182) provided for lodging complaints.
• Complaints are to be verified by corresponding zonal offices for prompt action.

Government Initiatives and Partnerships:

• Kerala, the first Indian state with an action plan on AMR (KARSAP) since 2018.
• Aligned with India’s National Action Plan on AMR, addressing human, animal, and environmental aspects.
• Collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment for AMR containment.
• Establishment of block-level AMR Committees in all 191 blocks in 2023.

Awareness and Surveillance Programs:

• Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign to raise AMR awareness.
• Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) launched for human use surveillance.
• AMR laboratory established by Kerala State Pollution Control Board for environmental monitoring.

Disposal of Unused Antibiotics:

• Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs (PROUD) initiated for proper antibiotic disposal.

Global and Health Implications of AMR:

• AMR, a ‘silent pandemic’, caused approximately five million deaths globally in 2019.
• World Bank’s projection of increased healthcare costs due to AMR, reaching $1.2 trillion annually by 2050.
• Potential loss of 3.8% of global annual GDP by 2050 due to AMR.

Health Department’s Additional Measures:

• Goal to stop OTC sale of antibiotics without prescriptions by the end of 2024.
• Plans to educate the medical fraternity on the dangers of AMR.
• Emphasis on public awareness about proper use of antibiotics.

Ref: Source