Addressing the accelerating global health issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has rolled out an innovative, first-of-its-kind globally, ‘IMA AMR Smart Hospital’ certification initiative. This novel program is aimed at fostering a commitment to superior practices related to antimicrobial usage, in an attempt to reverse the mounting AMR crisis.
AMR refers to the growing resistance of bacteria, fungi, and parasites to antimicrobial agents – a concern that presents an increasingly serious threat to worldwide health. As per global figures, AMR contributed to approximately 4.9 million deaths in 2019 alone. The specific scenario in India is alarming, with AMR directly resulting in 297,000 deaths and being associated with over a million fatalities in the same year.
Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman of the IMA AMR Standing Committee, equated the proliferating cases of AMR to a reversal of nearly a century of medicinal progress, warning that unattended, the risk could return us to an era where even common infections could prove untreatable and deadly. India’s worrying antibiotic prescription rate – 412 for every 1,000 individuals – is pointed out as a significant promoter of resistance amongst infectious bacteria.
IMA’s landmark initiative intends to combat AMR’s escalating risk by ensuring the execution of cutting-edge Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies across Indian healthcare facilities. The focus of the initiative is to fortify AMS and IPC efforts, incorporating the monitoring of AMR patterns, enhancement of antimicrobial stewardship and prevention of resistant pathogen proliferation within healthcare facilities.
Dr. Anilkumar J Nayak, the Honorary Secretary General of IMA, emphasized the necessity of robust IPC and AMS protocols within our pathogen-ridden hospital environments. He expressed his hopes that this initiative would set new standards for safe and efficacious healthcare delivery in the fight against AMR. The initiative’s pilot phase witnessed pro-active participation from hospitals countrywide.
More than 1,700 IMA branches were given registration forms, and a meticulous selection process identified participant hospitals from diverse geographical regions and healthcare settings. Four organizations received the certification during the pilot phase, setting impressive standards in AMR combat through rigorous AMS and IPC practices.
The IMA AMR Smart Hospital project is a global forerunner, offering a credible and scalable prototype to tackle AMR at the institutional level, thus aligning with global health objectives, including the Sustainable Development Goals. Guiding responsible antibiotic utilization and prevention of the spread of resistant pathogens, it underscores the societal responsibility in the AMR battle, fostering a safe and healthy future for the generations to come.