21-Nov-2018: ICMR releases guidelines for judicious use of antibiotics

To ensure judicious use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released on November 20, Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines to advise hospitals in setting up Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes (AMSP) for the purpose.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health challenge, which is recognized as high priority area by the Government of India. The increasing consumption of antibiotics is one of the key drivers of antimicrobial resistance seen in bugs of public health importance. Irrational prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor regulations around sale of antibiotics, self-medication, lack of education and awareness regarding responsible use of antibiotics have been identified as some of the key factors driving antimicrobial resistance in our country. The ‘National Health Policy’ (2017), addresses antimicrobial resistance as one of the key issues and prioritises development of guidelines regarding antibiotic use, limiting the over-the-counter use of antibiotics, restricting the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock, and pharmaco-vigilance including prescription audit inclusive of antibiotic usage in the hospital and community.

Hospital based programs dedicated to improving antibiotic use, commonly referred to as Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (AMSP) have been found helpful in improving the quality of patient care and safety through increased infection cure rates, reducing treatment failures, and increasing the frequency of correct prescription for therapy and prophylaxis. Implementation of an effective AMSP requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a variety of experts. Unfortunately, most of hospitals in India lack structure and process of AMSP. Recognizing the importance to create AMSP structures in health care institutions in the country, ICMR has initiated AMSP activities by developing AMSP curriculum, conducting workshops and developing AMSP research projects. ICMR has developed AMSP guidelines, which will be of immense help to the hospitals to create their own AMS program. This guideline will inform, encourage and support health care institutions to initiate the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, as well as combating antimicrobial resistance.