Chandigarh. Sept 16: The Punjab government has launched a robust action plan to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR), acknowledging that misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals poses a serious public health risk.
Under the new initiative, over-the-counter (OTC) sales of high-end antibiotics will be phased out. A digital prescription-tracking system will be introduced to monitor the dispensing of such drugs, notably those in the H1 category. Pharmacies will be required to receive training in responsible dispensing. Hospitals too must develop antibiotic policies, carry out prescription audits, and designate “AMR champions” to lead infection control and antibiotic stewardship efforts. Waste disposal regulations will be strengthened to curb environmental contamination.
On the veterinary front, stricter surveillance will be put in place to detect antibiotic residues in food products, and growth-promoter antibiotics used in farming will be phased out. The plan takes a “One Health” approach, coordinating across health, veterinary, agriculture and food-safety sectors. Awareness campaigns at the grassroots, sanitary measures in food handling, and standard treatment protocols are also part of the program.
Officials say this move is essential not only to preserve treatment options for future generations but also to prevent rising costs, health complications, and environmental damage caused by antibiotic overuse.
