Government Expands National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network

New Delhi, May 28: The Central Government has expanded India’s National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance Network to strengthen the country’s response to drug resistant bacterial infections. The initiative includes the addition of new diagnostic laboratories, enhanced digital reporting systems and improved coordination between hospitals, research institutions and public health agencies.

Health authorities said antimicrobial resistance remains one of the most significant public health challenges globally, making common bacterial infections increasingly difficult to treat. The expanded surveillance programme aims to detect emerging resistance patterns at an early stage and guide more effective use of antibiotics across healthcare facilities.

Under the latest initiative, government hospitals and selected medical colleges will report laboratory findings through an integrated digital platform. The system will allow health experts to monitor resistance trends in real time, identify high-risk regions and recommend appropriate treatment guidelines.

The Ministry of Health has instructed healthcare institutions to strengthen antibiotic stewardship programmes, encouraging doctors to prescribe antibiotics only when medically necessary. Hospitals have also been advised to improve infection prevention measures, including hand hygiene, sterilisation practices and regular monitoring of hospital-acquired infections.

Medical researchers noted that inappropriate use of antibiotics in both human healthcare and animal husbandry has contributed significantly to the growth of antimicrobial resistance. Public awareness campaigns are therefore being expanded to educate citizens about the importance of completing prescribed treatment courses and avoiding self-medication.

Diagnostic laboratories participating in the surveillance network will receive upgraded testing equipment and specialised training to improve the accuracy and speed of bacterial identification. Enhanced laboratory capacity is expected to support timely clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

The programme also promotes collaboration with international public health organisations to share scientific data and strengthen research into new antimicrobial therapies. Experts believe that global cooperation remains essential because drug-resistant organisms can spread across borders through travel and trade.

State health departments have been asked to conduct regular reviews of antibiotic prescribing patterns and organise training workshops for healthcare professionals. Medical colleges will also incorporate updated antimicrobial stewardship practices into clinical education programmes.

Public health specialists welcomed the expansion of the surveillance network, describing it as a major step toward protecting the effectiveness of existing antibiotics. They emphasised that surveillance, responsible prescribing and continuous research must work together to slow the spread of resistant infections.

Officials said the strengthened surveillance network will improve India’s preparedness for future infectious disease challenges while supporting evidence based healthcare policies. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to safeguarding public health and preserving the effectiveness of life-saving antimicrobial medicines for future generations.