Subject Experts View Points from World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022 to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in India

Abstract

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health problem that can lead to longer hospital stays, higher medical costs and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to document the challenges and viewpoints of multidisciplinary subject experts participated in the World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) 2022 program to combat AMR in India. Material and Methods: This was an observational study conducted during the celebrations of WAAW 2022. Subject experts from departments of microbiology, pharmacology, community medicine, general medicine and obstetrics and gynecology were invited to deliver talks on the different aspects of AMR. Questions asked by the delegates to the subject experts during the sessions and the responses given by the subject experts were documented. The data obtained was arranged in the tabular form as per the objectives of the study.Results: All the subject experts emphasized the urgent need to reduce the incidence of AMR. Subject expert from microbiology reiterated the importance of institutional antimicrobial stewardship program with the aim of restricting the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics only to the critically ill patients. Regulations framed to dispense antimicrobials under schedule H1 must be strictly followed according to the subject expert from pharmacology. An urgent need to increase the awareness on rational use of antimicrobials to all the stakeholders involved in the health care was opined by the subject expert from community medicine. Subject expert from general medicine emphasized on timely deescalating the dose and duration of antimicrobials. Maintaining proper aseptic measures in the operating room is key to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) according to the subject expert from obstetrics and gynecology.Conclusion: Strict surveillance from the drug regulatory authorities on antimicrobial dispensing combined with effective implementation of antimicrobial stewardship at every health care institution will only play a key role in bringing down the AMR burden in the country.