NOV 18: Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda today launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0) for the period 2025–29, marking a renewed national commitment to address one of the most pressing global health challenges. The launch event was attended by senior officials including Principal Scientific Advisor Dr. A.K. Sood, Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, and other key leaders from the health sector.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Nadda described antimicrobial resistance as a major public health concern that threatens critical medical procedures such as surgeries, cancer care and organ transplants. He stressed that the widespread overuse and misuse of antibiotics has intensified the problem, making urgent corrective action necessary.
Highlighting progress since the first action plan in 2017, the Minister explained that NAP-AMR 2.0 aims to close existing gaps by improving inter-sectoral coordination, strengthening ownership of AMR initiatives and enhancing collaboration with the private sector. Key strategies in the updated plan include boosting awareness, expanding education and training, upgrading laboratory capacities and improving infection control in health facilities. He also emphasized regular stakeholder engagement to ensure timely resolution of challenges.
Dr. A.K. Sood noted that the updated plan is being launched on the first day of World AMR Awareness Week and reaffirmed India’s global leadership in combating AMR. He pointed to significant steps such as banning over-the-counter antibiotic sales in states like Kerala and Gujarat, restrictions on certain antimicrobials in agriculture, and the establishment of the India AMR Innovation Hub.
The updated NAP-AMR includes clearly defined sector-wise action plans, timelines and budgets, enabling effective monitoring and coordinated implementation across ministries.
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