Jaipur: To tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and to regulate antibiotic usage, the state chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has formed a state-level committee which will liaise with branches across all zones to form AMR containment committees at district and branch levels. Educational workshops will be organised to train doctors and relevant personnel on this subject. Monthly progress reports will be submitted to the state office, alongside reviewing activities undertaken by IMA branches.
AMR is a significant global issue, with pharmaceutical firms working to develop new medications to address this challenge. Dr Lokendra Sharma, senior professor (pharmacology) at SMS Hospital, leads the committee as chairman, with Dr Faryad Mohammad serving as state coordinator. Committee members include Dr Mahesh Sharma (Bikaner), Dr Sweety Soni (Jaipur), Dr SC Mittal (Bharatpur), Dr Siddharth Lodha (Jodhpur), Dr Umesh K Vijay (Kota), Dr Sushil K Sahu (Udaipur), and Dr Rajesh Singh (Bhiwadi).
“AMR develops when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, become unresponsive to antimicrobial medicines. This resistance renders antibiotics and other treatments ineffective, making infections harder or impossible to cure, thus elevating risks of disease transmission, serious illness, disability, and mortality. Our committee will educate students in schools and colleges on AMR,” said Dr Sharma.
Recently, the WHO and IMA collaborated to address rising bactrial resistance to antibiotics in India. “As part of this agreement, IMA will develop capacity of doctors to work on AMR and prepare them as AMR champions. The committee will also raise awareness among students in colleges, schools, and other such places and also among the general public about overuse and misuse of antibiotics and how to prevent infections,” said Dr Sharma.
During the awareness drive, the committee will distribute educational materials on proper antimicrobial usage, hand hygiene, and infection prevention.
