Factsheet No 61 on ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCEAn Emerging Public He

Title: Factsheet No 61 on ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE An Emerging Public He
Publication Type: Factsheets
Year of Publication: 2020
Abstract:AMR in India came into limelight earlier in 2010 with the determination of superbugs carrying the New Delhi metallo-lactamase (NDM-1) gene,igniting much needed discussion and action on AMR at the global and national level.AMR control in India is challenging because it is the largest consumer of antimicrobials globally,with easy access to non-prescribed medications for both human health and livestock.India has some of the highest antibiotic resistance rates among bacteria that commonly cause infections in the community and healthcare facilities. In 2012, India also overtook the United States as the highest consumer of a class of new antibiotics known as oxazolidinones, which are prescribed as a last resort when more commonly used antibiotics are not effective.Globally, India is the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals by volume,19 thus the manufacturing industries also contribute to India’s rising AMR burden. India has at least 40 antibiotic API manufacturers and at least 250 antibiotic formulation companies manufacturing at least one antibiotic for human use, as per data from CIMS INDIA, April–July 2017 edition.Multiple antimicrobials and antibiotics have been detected in the Indian rivers such as Musi River in Hyderabad, Yamuna in Delhi and Ganga in the Northern states.