Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health): Recently the Kerala Drug Control Department Kerala government launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health). The Operation aims to prevent antibiotic overuse in the state of Kerala & lead state-run raids against pharmacies to detect over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health).
Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP)
Kerala’s Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) is a state-run drug control programme that aims to combat the escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) within the state. Developed in alignment with national objectives and global standards, KARSAP outlines a multi-faceted strategy to address AMR comprehensively, including monitoring and analysing AMR trends & to lead educational campaigns, such as the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign, which aim to raise awareness and promote responsible antimicrobial use among healthcare professionals and the general public. and prevent over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) explained
AMR, or antimicrobial resistance is referred to as a “silent pandemic,” which means the ability of bacteria and other microbes to withstand the effects of drugs meant to kill or inhibit them.
A.) Symptoms of AMR
It varies depending on the specific infection and the type of bacteria or microbe involved.
Common symptoms may include persistent or recurrent infections that do not respond to treatment with standard antibiotics.
In severe cases, AMR can lead to complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections.
Some infections caused by resistant bacteria may exhibit symptoms that are more severe or difficult to treat than those caused by non-resistant strains.
It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of infection, especially if they persist despite treatment, as this could indicate a possible case of antimicrobial resistance.
B.) Why it is serious
Persistent or recurrent infections that do not respond to standard antibiotic treatments.
Increased severity of infections caused by bacteria or microbes that have developed resistance to commonly used antibiotics.
Longer duration of illness or slower recovery from infections due to the limited effectiveness of available antibiotics.
Greater risk of complications from infections, such as sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections, when standard treatments fail to control the infection.
Increased healthcare costs and resource utilization associated with managing resistant infections, including longer hospital stays, additional tests, and the need for more expensive or specialized treatments.
What is the Operation Amrith?
Operation Amrith is a state-sponsored drug programme aimed at conducting raids in pharmacies to detect over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription
