India Launches Updated National Plan to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance

India Launches Updated National Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

India has unveiled the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2025–29 , signalling a renewed nationwide commitment to confront the rapidly growing threat of drug-resistant infections. Released in New Delhi during World AMR Awareness Week , the new framework builds on the foundation of the country’s first AMR plan introduced in 2017 and addresses the regulatory and coordination gaps identified over the past eight years.

Strengthened Multi-Sector Strategy and One Health Approach

NAP-AMR 2.0 adopts a full One Health perspective, integrating human health, veterinary systems, food production, agriculture, and environmental protection. More than 20 ministries and departments have been assigned specific roles with defined budgets, accountability mechanisms and timelines. The updated plan responds to accelerating AMR risks, particularly the misuse of antibiotics in hospitals, livestock, and crop production, which has contributed to rising resistance levels and compromised routine medical care.

The framework outlines six strategic pillars : public awareness, surveillance expansion, improved infection prevention, antimicrobial stewardship, research and innovation, and stronger governance. Key actions include building robust laboratory networks, monitoring antibiotic residues in food and the environment, and supporting the development of new diagnostics and antimicrobials. Enhanced data-sharing and cross-sector coordination remain central to the plan’s implementation.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India released its first NAP-AMR in 2017 .

• World AMR Awareness Week is observed from 18–24 November every year.

• The One Health model links human, animal, agriculture and environmental sectors.

• AMR poses a threat to surgeries, transplant care and cancer treatment outcomes.