India Launches Updated National Action Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

India has launched a strengthened national strategy to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, marking a renewed commitment to protecting public health. The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2025–29) was released in New Delhi to coincide with World AMR Awareness Week, building on lessons from the first plan introduced in 2017.

Key Features of NAP-AMR 2.0

The updated plan adopts a comprehensive One Health approach, integrating efforts across human health, animal health, agriculture and the environment. More than 20 ministries have outlined detailed responsibilities, budgets and timelines to ensure coordinated implementation. The initiative aims to close gaps observed in the earlier framework, particularly around intersectoral coordination and stakeholder accountability.

Health Risks and Rationale for Action

Antimicrobial resistance continues to compromise critical medical procedures, including surgeries and cancer treatments. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in clinical, veterinary and agricultural settings have accelerated the spread of resistant infections. The new plan emphasises urgent corrective measures to manage this escalating threat and preserve the efficacy of existing treatments.

Strategic Objectives and Activities

NAP-AMR 2.0 lays out six core objectives covering awareness, surveillance, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, research and governance. Activities include strengthening laboratory networks, expanding monitoring of antibiotic residues, improving infection prevention systems, ensuring responsible antibiotic use, and prioritising research into new diagnostics and therapies. Enhanced collaboration across agencies is central to the plan.

Exam Oriented Facts

• India launched its first National Action Plan on AMR in 2017.
• World AMR Awareness Week is observed annually from 18–24 November.
• The One Health approach links human, animal, agriculture and environmental sectors.
• AMR threatens the effectiveness of routine surgeries and cancer care.

Implementation and Multisectoral Engagement

Each participating ministry will now prepare detailed implementation roadmaps. The plan mandates collaboration with private healthcare providers, industry groups, academic institutions, cooperatives, NGOs and international partners. The new framework seeks to strengthen governance and monitoring mechanisms, ensuring sustained national action against antimicrobial resistance over the next five years.