In view of the escalating threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India, microbiologists have called for Unified Data Systems and Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for surveillance of the pathogens. “AMR is a global threat that requires people who have historically not worked together to cooperate and work towards a common goal…” said Prof. Anurag Agrawal, Dean, Biosciences at Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University at a workshop titled, “Environmental Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Strategies and Implications.”
The workshop which was held recently also saw involvement of key organizations such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), World Health Organisation (WHO), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and partners of Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance and Innovation (APSI), among others. They underscored the seriousness of the issue and the need for collaborative efforts to address it effectively.
“The APSI consortium is a unique initiative involving public and private academia, public and private hospitals, R&D labs, and government departments trying to address the AMR problem in four different regions of the country,” said Prof. LS Shashidhara, Director of the NCBS about the consortium. It is working with a vision that the data generated and the outcome of its efforts will provide additional evidence to frame public health policies and strategies at the national and state levels, he said.
During a panel discussion, integrating surveillance data into healthcare and environmental systems emerged as a crucial recommendation for better decision-making and policy development. Addressing challenges in real-time AMR surveillance, like data sharing and operator training, was a key focus. Additionally, there was an emphasis on digital systems to empower stakeholders, especially research labs, by ensuring smooth data generation and proper credit allocation.
The emphasis on integrating surveillance data into healthcare and environmental systems, along with the use of digital systems for smooth data generation and analysis, reflects a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges of AMR surveillance, said a statement from the organiser.
Some of the prominent attendees were - Dr Kamini Walia, Senior Scientist at ICMR; Dr Anuj Sharma, NPO - Technical focal point for AMR, Labs and IPC, WHO; Dr Rakesh Mishra, Director, Tata Institute of Genetics Society; Dr (Brig.) Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Director, Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), among others.
