Medanta- The Medicity is one of the leading institutes focusing its efforts to create awareness around the increasing trend and effective management of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

AMR also known as antimicrobial drug resistance, occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi etc.  change in such a way that the medications used to treat infections they cause are rendered ineffective. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity.^[i] In 2019, The Lancet, a medical journal revealed that such resistance directly caused approximately 12,70,000 deaths worldwide[ii].  India has one of the highest rates of AMR in the world, and according to government’s data released in 2019 these infections claim lives of close to 7,00,000 Indians annually [iii].

“AMR is a growing threat across the world and in India and we as Healthcare Professionals/Clinicians are working together towards combatting the alarming rise of AMR associated infections. While the hospital infection control teams ensure that all precautions are taken, the problems usually extend beyond basic hospital hygiene and control measures. Antimicrobial stewardship programs have been implemented in our practices however, it is critically important to create awareness regarding understanding the impact of over prescription of antibiotics for the rising concern at large. We must also work towards strengthening the knowledge and evidence base through continuous surveillance.” commented, Dr Yatin Mehta, President, Sepsis Forum of India; Past President, Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine and Chairman – Critical Care, Medanta – The Medicity.

AMR infections usually require the use of second line and third line treatments which can cause serious side-effects, such as organ failure and prolonged care and recovery, which could go on for months. The overall misuse and overuse of consumption of antibiotics which should only be used to treat the most serious infections like difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, and poor infection prevention and control, increase the spread of AMR. This rise in mortality and morbidity due to AMR infections is very alarming and the WHO and CDC have suggested that steps can and should be taken at all levels of society to reduce the impact and control the spread of resistance. Individuals, policy makers (government), healthcare professionals and the healthcare industry should all collectively contribute towards reducing the incidence of AMR infections.

While there is no standardized region wise data on resistance rates, a few reports from hospitals and communities suggest that the overall resistance level is increasing by 5 to 10% every year for broad-spectrum antimicrobials which are highly misused.[iv]  A data analysis done by Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) between January 1 and December 31, 2021, found a sustained increase in drug-resistant pathogens, resulting in difficulty to treat certain infections with available medicines.[v] This is a major concern because a resistant infection can spread to others and potentially impose huge costs to individuals and society.[vi]

Mr. Shyamakant Giri, Managing Director & President, India Business and Emerging Markets, Amneal Healthcare said “As industry patrons, it is also our responsibility to develop or collaborate in developing platforms which help in preventing transmission of hospital infections and antimicrobial drug resistance. Uniport is a first-of-its-kind closed IV technology platform that is being manufactured by Amneal for India, in India. This will set new standards for delivery of IV solutions in the country. The INICC (International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium), recommends use of closed infusion systems for administration of clinical treatments in hospitals. The government of India has taken several measures to control the rise of AMR in India, we look forward to partnering with stakeholders like Medanta to reduce this burden by increasing access to this innovative technology for advanced care.”

Amneal Healthcare, subsidiary of NYSE-listed Amneal Pharmaceuticals, announced its commercial operations in India recently. Uniport is a safe IV with multipurpose single port bag offering a versatile and adaptive closed-infusion system. The Uniport bag introduces several technological advancements for optimum utilization like self-collapsibility, easy to squeeze, transparency for clear visibility.