CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Kerala Drug Control Department has launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This effort intends to reduce antibiotic usage in the state by conducting surprise raids in pharmacies and detecting OTC sales of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
Understanding AMR
AMR, or antimicrobial resistance, refers to bacteria and microorganisms' ability to withstand medications intended to inhibit or kill them. AMR, known as a "silent pandemic," was responsible for nearly 5 million deaths worldwide in 2019, with 1.3 million deaths directly attributable to it.
Drug Controller's Role
The Kerala Drugs Controller underlined the importance of the Drugs Control Department in maximizing antibiotic use by avoiding OTC antibiotic sales. Pharmacies are now required to keep track of antibiotic sales and show signs declaring that "antibiotics are not sold without a doctor's prescription." Those who do not comply will face severe consequences.
Participation Of The General Public
To engage the public in this critical campaign, the Drug Control Department invites people to report pharmacies that sell antibiotics without a prescription. Complaints can be lodged via a toll-free hotline, and once received, they will be passed to the zonal office for verification and rapid action.
Compliance With The State Action Plan
The actions of Operation Amrith are consistent with Kerala's Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) and its antibiotic literacy effort. Kerala launched the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign to raise awareness about AMR as the first Indian state with a state action plan matched with the national plan.
Stop Selling OTC Antibiotics
Kerala's health department is determined to entirely eliminating OTC antibiotic sales without prescriptions and prosecuting breaching pharmacies. This step is critical in reducing antibiotic abuse and promoting ethical antibiotic use.
Drug-Recycling Program
To guarantee proper disposal of unwanted antibiotics, Kerala has launched the Programme on Removal of unwanted Drugs (PROUD). This medicine take-back program, which was launched in the Thiruvananthapuram district in 2019, aims to prevent environmental contamination and subsequent resistance development.
Impact On Global Health And The Economy
Under a high AMR effect scenario, the World Bank estimated in 2017 that yearly global healthcare expenses might reach $1.2 trillion by 2050. Furthermore, the globe might lose 3.8% of its GDP each year, resulting in up to 10 million deaths per year, predominantly in Asia and Africa. Kerala's proactive actions help the global fight against the economic and health consequences of AMR.
Kerala's AMR Surveillance Efforts
Kerala has made great efforts in AMR surveillance in addition to Operation Amrith. In 2018-19, the state established the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) for human surveillance. Furthermore, in August 2023, the Kerala State Pollution Control Board will open an AMR lab dedicated solely to environmental surveillance, stressing the comprehensive approach to addressing AMR.
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