Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda on Tuesday (18 November) launched the second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2025–29), reinforcing India’s commitment to combating the growing threat of AMR.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadda described antimicrobial resistance as a major public health challenge that can only be addressed through collective action. He stated that AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment and other critical healthcare interventions, and stressed that misuse and overuse of antibiotics has become common practice, underscoring the urgency of corrective measures.

Nadda noted that the updated NAP-AMR 2.0 aims to close the gaps identified in the first NAP-AMR (launched in 2017) by strengthening inter-sectoral collaboration, increasing ownership of AMR-related efforts and ensuring stronger engagement with the private sector.

Key strategies under NAP AMR 2.0 include boosting awareness, education and training, as well as enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities.  He also emphasised the importance of regular stakeholder meetings to resolve challenges promptly.

Principal Scientific Advisor Dr A K Sood called the launch a “timely initiative,” coinciding with the first day of the WHO’s World AMR Awareness Week (18–24 November). He noted that India has been a global frontrunner in addressing AMR, a crisis he likened to a pandemic affecting many countries, especially the developing countries in Asia and Africa.  

Dr Sood highlighted some of the steps taken by India in countering the menace of AMR, including Kerala and Gujarat’s ban on over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, and restrictions on the use of certain antimicrobials and pesticides in crops. He also pointed to the India AMR Innovation Hub, a collaborative national and international platform designed to spur innovation, mobilise resources and foster collaboration between multiple stakeholders.

The event was attended by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava; Dr Rajiv Bahl, Secretary, Department of Health Research; and Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services.