Health Minister announces National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0

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Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, has launched the second version of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Antimicrobial Resistance (2025–29). He was joined by Dr A K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor; Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Dept. of Health Research and Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS).

NAP-AMR 2.0 addresses the gaps identified in the first NAP-AMR by increasing the ownership of AMR-related efforts, strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and ensuring stronger engagement with the private sector. Asserting on the key strategies of AMR containment which are to be implemented under NAP AMR 2.0, the Minister stated the importance of increasing awareness, education and training. He also highlighted the requirement of enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities. Nadda stressed on the importance of regular stakeholder meetings to resolve challenges promptly.

Dr A K Sood stated that the NAP-AMR 2.0 is timely initiative for generating a more coherent action plan which is aptly being released on the first day of the WHO’s World AMR Awareness Week (18-24 Nov). Noting that India is one of the pioneers in driving this initiative globally, he stated that AMR is a like a pandemic affecting many countries especially the developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Dr Sood highlighted some of the steps taken by India in countering the menace of AMR. He pointed out that Kerala and Gujarat are the first states to ban over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops.