Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has made impressive progress in combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), achieving a remarkable 20-30 per cent reduction in antibiotic usage. This milestone was announced by Health Minister Veena George at the state-level launch of an awareness campaign at Vattiyoorkavu Urban Primary Health Centre. According to her, Kerala's success can be attributed to the state's collective efforts to restrain the misuse and overuse of antibiotics through strict regulations, awareness campaigns, and innovative healthcare strategies.
“Unnecessary and unscientific use of antibiotics has been significantly reduced in the past year, which is a vital step in our crucial battle against AMR,” she said.
From Policy to Practice
A combination of effective policy measures and grassroots-level actions has driven this success. According to the health minister, the state has enforced stringent restrictions on the sale of antibiotics, without a prescription and launched a toll-free number to report violations of the rule. Widespread awareness campaigns have also been implemented at the grassroots level through door-to-door campaigns using Health and ASHA workers.
The Health Minister also personally participated in the campaign, visiting homes in Vattiyoorkavu alongside health workers to interact with the public directly. This also helped to improve the 'antibiotic literacy' in the state.
The state government also has plans to transform all hospitals into "antibiotic-smart hospitals." This initiative will hopefully highlight the importance of the rational use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities. Officials, including MLA V.K. Prashant and NHM State Mission Director Dr. Vinay Goyal, joined hands with health workers and community members to spread the message.
A Global Challenge
The urgency of Kerala’s efforts aligns with global health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that antimicrobial resistance could lead to 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if not addressed. By reducing antibiotic misuse, Kerala is positioning itself as a leader in combating this global issue.
Important actionable steps for citizens, put forward by the state government campaign are
- Usage of antibiotics only under a doctor’s prescription.
- Never buy antibiotics without a prescription.
- Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
- Avoid using leftover or expired medications.
- Disposal of antibiotics responsibly to prevent environmental contamination.
Kerala Sets National Model
According to the Health Minister, the comprehensive approach combining awareness, action-oriented policies, and healthcare innovation sets a benchmark for other states. “This achievement is not just a success for Kerala but a roadmap for the country to follow in addressing AMR,” said Minister Veena George. She added that through this remarkable achievement, Kerala is reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding public health and leading the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
