Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health, or Operation Amrith, is a new Kerala Drug Control Department initiative to curb the state’s rampant antibiotic abuse.

The plan is to surprise drugstores to find any antibiotics sold without a prescription.

Kerala

So, what exactly is AMR?

Bacterial and microbiological resistance to antimicrobial medications is known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Although it remains largely unrecognized, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) was directly responsible for 1.3 million deaths in 2019, contributing to an estimated 5 million deaths worldwide.

Drug Controller Responsibilities

The Drugs Control Department plays a crucial role in maximizing the use of antibiotics by limiting their sale over-the-counter, according to the Kerala Drugs Controller.

Part of this is ensuring pharmacists track how many antibiotics they sell. Posters reading “antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription” must also be displayed. Anyone found to be disobeying will face severe consequences.

Engaging the Public

Anyone can help the Drug Control Department by going to their local pharmacy and reporting them for selling antibiotics without a prescription.

Anyone can call the offered toll-free hotline to voice their dissatisfaction. The zonal office will be notified of any complaints as soon as they are received and will take quick action after verification.

Coordinates with the State’s Initiative

The antibiotic literacy program known as Operation Amrith is being carried out as part of Kerala’s Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP).

State plans on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Kerala were the first of their kind in India, and they were in line with the national strategy.

To further increase awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Kerala launched the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign following the release of the state action plan on AMR.