Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define AMR briefly: AMR refers to the ability of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to evolve resistance to drugs that were previously effective in treating infections.
• State why AMR is more than just a scientific issue—it is a complex socio-economic challenge impacting health, economy, and social systems.

Fact:

• AMR is linked to 1,042,500 deaths in India in 2019.

2. AMR as a Socio-Economic Issue

Impact on Health

• AMR leads to increased mortality and morbidity. Patients with resistant infections often face complications and a higher risk of death.
  • Fact: India witnessed 1,042,500 deaths due to AMR in 2019.

Economic Impact

• Health expenditure: Treating resistant infections is costlier, requiring more intensive treatments and prolonged hospital stays.
  • Fact: By 2050, AMR could result in an additional US$ 1 trillion in healthcare costs.
• Labor productivity: AMR-associated mortality and morbidity decrease the working population’s size and productivity.
  • Fact: In the U.S., AMR-related losses amount to $35 billion annually due to lost productivity.

Social Impact

• Vulnerable populations, such as marginalized communities and elderly individuals, are more prone to AMR due to poor healthcare access and sanitation.
  • Fact: AMR may push 24 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.

3. Challenges in Addressing AMR

• Scientific Challenges: Developing new antibiotics is expensive and time-consuming. The reluctance of pharmaceutical companies to invest in antibiotic research, due to low economic returns, exacerbates the problem.
  • Fact: Developing a new antibiotic costs over $1 billion, but it may generate less than $100 million annually once it’s on the market.
• Poor Regulation and Awareness: Lack of regulation on the sale of antibiotics, especially without prescriptions, and insufficient awareness about responsible usage of antibiotics contribute significantly to AMR.

4. Measures to Tackle AMR in India

Standardization and Regulation

• Accreditation of Hospitals and Labs: Enforce the accreditation of hospitals and diagnostic labs to ensure standardized care and proper infection control.
• Regulation of Antibiotics: Strengthen the implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, and ensure antibiotics are only available with a prescription.

Surveillance and Monitoring

• Set up nationwide AMR surveillance systems to monitor and track resistant strains and pathogens.

Public Awareness and Education

• Launch public health campaigns to educate both healthcare providers and the general public on the dangers of overusing antibiotics and the importance of proper infection control practices.

Research and Development (R&D)

• Promote research and development for new antibiotics through government funding and incentives for private pharmaceutical companies. Ensure equitable access to newly developed antibiotics.

5. Conclusion

Summarize the gravity of the AMR problem and emphasize the need for a One Health approach involving various stakeholders—governments, healthcare providers, and communities. Stress that AMR requires urgent, coordinated global action, as outlined in frameworks like the Chennai Declaration on AMR.

Relevant Facts with Sources

1. AMR Deaths in India: Over 1,042,500 deaths linked to AMR in 2019.
2. Global Economic Impact: AMR could add US$ 1 trillion to healthcare costs by 2050 and result in US$ 1 trillion to US$ 3.4 trillion in annual GDP losses by 2030.
3. Cost of AMR-related Productivity Losses: $35 billion annually in the U.S. due to productivity losses from AMR.
4. Cost of Developing Antibiotics: Developing a new antibiotic costs more than US$ 1 billion, with anticipated revenue of less than $100 million annually.
5. Poverty Impact: AMR could push 24 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.