Introduction

The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health), a significant initiative to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state.

Operation AMRITH

Objective: The initiative aims to optimize antibiotic use by preventing over-the-counter (OTC) sales and ensuring compliance with prescription requirements.
Pharmacy Regulations: Pharmacies are required to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales and display notices stating that antibiotics will not be sold without a doctor’s prescription.
Public Participation: The initiative encourages public involvement by allowing individuals to report pharmacies that sell antibiotics without a prescription.

Surprise Raids: The program includes conducting surprise checks in retail medical shops to detect OTC sales of antibiotics.
Toll-Free Complaint Number: A toll-free number (18004253182) is provided for the public to lodge complaints against medical shops violating the rules.
Immediate Action: Complaints are swiftly transferred to relevant zonal offices for verification, followed by immediate departmental action upon confirmation of violations.

Kerala’s AMR Strategy: Kerala was the first state in India to develop a state action plan on AMR, the Kerala Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), in 2018.
Multi-Sectoral Approach: The plan, aligned with India’s National Action Plan on AMR, addresses human, animal, and environmental aspects of AMR containment.
Support and Collaboration: The plan was developed with contributions from the Centre for Science and Environment and involves various state departments in its implementation.
Surveillance Networks: The Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) monitors AMR in humans, while an integrated plan covers non-human sector surveillance.
AMR Laboratory: The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) inaugurated an AMR laboratory for environmental surveillance in August 2023.
PROUD Initiative: The Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs (PROUD) is a drug take-back program piloted in Thiruvananthapuram for the proper disposal of unused antibiotics.