One of the greatest risks to global public health in the twenty-first century is antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The dilemma has far-reaching effects on health systems, economies, and the fundamental basis of modern medicine, but it develops silently without the dramatic pictures of natural disasters or unexpected breakouts. AMR threatens to force the globe into a post-antibiotic future where routine diseases and mild injuries can once again become lethal, as the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned.
What Is Antimicrobial Resistance?
The World Health Organisation defines antimicrobials as drugs that are necessary for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. These drugs include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. When bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites develop resistance to antimicrobial medications intended to eradicate them, it’s known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Treatments fail, infections continue, and the risk of serious illness and death rises when microorganisms develop resistance.
Although antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural evolutionary process, human actions, particularly the abuse and misuse of antimicrobials in livestock, agriculture, and healthcare, have expedited its development. The ideal environment for resistant strains to flourish may be created by self-medication, incomplete antibiotic courses, excessive use of broad-spectrum medications, and uncontrolled access to antibiotics.
A Global Crisis With Local Consequences
AMR transcends national boundaries. According to WHO estimates, bacterial AMR directly caused 1.27 million deaths in 2019 and was linked to about 5 million fatalities globally. The majority of the burden falls on low- and middle-income nations, where a high prevalence of infectious diseases combines with a lack of access to diagnostics, weak health systems, and frequently unregulated pharmaceutical markets.
The efficacy of antibiotics, which we rely on for standard medical operations, is threatened by AMR. Antibiotic failure increases the danger of surgery, organ transplants, cancer treatments, caesarean sections, and even the treatment of urinary tract infections or pneumonia. Modern medicine is precarious in the absence of potent antimicrobials.
The economic impact is equally concerning. The World Bank cautions that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could result in annual global GDP losses of up to $3.4 trillion, plunging millions into abject poverty. As treatments become more complicated and time-consuming, healthcare expenditures are expected to increase by more than $1 trillion.
Challenges for India
The AMR problem in India is caused by a combination of systemic, social, and biological factors. Over 80% of pharmacies supplied antibiotics without a prescription, according to an undercover study by the Karnataka state government, demonstrating the widespread abuse of antibiotics caused by over-the-counter availability. Resistance is exacerbated in healthcare settings by inadequate infection control and overprescription. More than half of hospital inpatients receive antibiotics from the WHO’s AWaRe “Watch” category, which is reserved for severe cases, according to a survey by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The UNGA AMR declaration highlights the concern that antibiotic overuse in agriculture and pharmaceutical pollution exacerbate resistance. Climate change exacerbates the issue by speeding up the spread of microorganisms. By 2030, the Lancet Series suggests a “10-20-30” goal: a 10% reduction in fatalities from bacterial infections, a 20% decrease in improper human antibiotic use, and a 30% decrease in animal drug abuse. Strong regulations, a “One Health Approach”, and widespread public participation through collective action are necessary to accomplish this mission in India.
Government of India’s Response: A One Health Approach
India has strengthened its approach to AMR, acknowledging it as a national priority. The National Task Force on AMR Containment was established in 2010, and the first National Policy on AMR was released in 2011.
In line with the WHO’s Global Action Plan (GAP), India introduced the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) in 2017. To address the interrelated routes by which resistance spreads, the first action plan emphasised the need for a One Health approach, which integrates human health, animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
NAP-AMR 2.0: Strengthening Coordination and Accountability
NAP-AMR 2.0 (2025–29), which builds upon the advancements and gaps identified in the first phase, was introduced by the Union Health Minister in 2025. It is more all-encompassing, multisectoral, and implementation-oriented. The updated strategy was shaped by more than 20 ministries, including MoHFW, MoFAHD, MoAFW, MoEFCC, Jal Shakti Ministry, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, AYUSH, and others.
NAP-AMR 2.0 highlights:
- Increased monitoring of the environment, food systems, wildlife, and human populations.
- bolstering laboratory capacity across the country.
- hospital antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.
- controlling the sale of antibiotics, particularly those that are abused over the counter.
- using media and educational systems to raise public awareness and educate the public.
- interaction with business, academia, civil society, and private healthcare.
- Every ministry should have well-defined budgets, schedules, and monitoring systems.
Why Containing AMR Is Critical for India?
India is a significant producer and consumer of antibiotics. It is especially susceptible to AMR due to its large population, high infectious illness load, dense urban settlements, agricultural demands, and environmental difficulties. Effective AMR management is crucial for:
- Preserve public health and cut down on avoidable fatalities
- Preserve the efficacy of life-saving medicinal treatments
- Assure sustainable farming methods and food safety
- Safeguard economic expansion and avert more economic shocks
- Boost the security of global health
Conclusion: Collective Responsibility for a Shared Future
Because AMR develops slowly and covertly but has a significant impact, it is frequently referred to as the “silent pandemic.” More than just policy is needed to combat AMR; appropriate antibiotic use, improved health systems, and active involvement from all sectors are all necessary.
A significant advancement is India’s reaffirmed commitment through NAP-AMR 2.0. However, ongoing cooperation, creativity, and responsibility will be necessary for success. AMR is both a social and a medical issue. To protect the health and prosperity of future generations, this issue must be addressed now.
List of Abbreviations:
MoHFW – Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
MoFAHD – Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
MoAFW – Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
MoEFCC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
MoAYUSH – Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy
References:
Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. “Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda Launches National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2.0.” Press Information Bureau, November 18, 2025.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2191165.
Iqbal, Sarah. “Why India Is a Stronghold for Superbugs: Biological, Social and Systemic Issues Heighten the Menace of Antimicrobial Resistance.” Nature India, October 14, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1038/d44151-024-00167-8.
World Health Organization. “Antimicrobial Resistance.” Fact sheet. November 21, 2023
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance.
“Antimicrobial Resistance.” Drishti IAS, January 10, 2024.
https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/antimicrobial-resistance-11.
Clear Cut Health Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Nov 20, 2025 11:33 IST
Written By: Nidhi Chandrikapure
