Operation Amrith', An initiative to prevent excessive antibiotic use
To prevent the excessive use of antibiotics, the health department is initiating Operation Amrith (AMRITH - Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) across the state. Operation Amrith aims to robustly prevent antibiotic overuse and eliminate the unauthorized dispensing of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription by 2024. As part of its implementation, the Drug Control Department conducts inspections and raises awareness directly and with the help of public participation. Within this operation, the public can report pharmacies selling antibiotics without the doctor's prescription. A specialized squad appointed by the Drugs Controller will conduct undercover operations. Pharmacies are required to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales and display posters stating 'antibiotics are not sold without a doctor's prescription'. Strict actions will be taken against pharmacies and medical stores supplying antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. Additionally, efforts are focused on raising awareness to discourage unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
Regular antibiotic use can result in infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, leading to severe health problems. The World Health Organization has labeled AMR as a silent epidemic. If the current situation persists, it is estimated that by 2050, one crore people will die due to antimicrobial resistance. In this backdrop, the Department of Health is committed to robustly preventing antibiotic overuse and eliminating the unauthorized dispensing of antibiotics without a doctor's prescription by 2024.
