ISB And ICARS Collaborate To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance In India

A recent gathering at the Hyderabad campus of the Indian School of Business (ISB) saw a convergence of experts from various sectors to tackle the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Hosted by the Max Institute of Healthcare Management (MIHM) and the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), the event aimed at fostering discussions on enhancing antimicrobial stewardship practices. This was particularly focused on the sustainable use of last resort antibiotics, a critical concern in the healthcare sector today.

The consultation was a key component of the TANDEM-ABX project, a collaborative effort between ICARS, ISB MIHM, and CMC Vellore, among others. Funded by a planning grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF) in Denmark, the project spans India and Kenya, focusing on creating a roadmap for the responsible introduction and management of critical antibiotics. The initiative draws together clinicians, microbiologists, pharmacists, and various other stakeholders, aiming to bridge policy and practical applications at both the hospital and policy levels.

Addressing the gathering, Shri R.V. Karnan, Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare for the Government of Telangana, underscored the importance of combating AMR. He stated, "AMR in the healthcare system is a concern for governments. We are focusing on spreading information and awareness in the state on this important issue. Telangana's AMR action plan will strengthen our healthcare system's approach to antimicrobial stewardship. ISB's research initiative will provide valuable insights for evidence-based policymaking, particularly in understanding how we can better coordinate stewardship efforts across different healthcare settings. We are happy to extend our support in such research initiatives."

Professor Sarang Deo from ISB highlighted the need for empirical evidence to support antimicrobial stewardship efforts across various healthcare stakeholders. "While antimicrobial stewardship programmes are growing across hospitals, there is a dire need to generate strong evidence about the feasibility of coordinated stewardship efforts across multiple healthcare stakeholders. This consultation has generated several ideas on how to structure such a pilot and use it to generate high-quality evidence to shape policy on this matter," he remarked.

The misuse of antibiotics, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, was a major topic of discussion. Stakeholders emphasized the necessity of antimicrobial stewardship to curb inappropriate antibiotic use, which threatens access and the effectiveness of "Reserve" class antibiotics. These antibiotics, known for their narrow spectrum of action, require targeted use to prevent rapid loss of effectiveness.

Dr Jyoti Joshi, Senior Science Advisor at ICARS and project lead of TANDEM ABX, reflected on the consultations as a pivotal learning opportunity. "This has been a valuable experience to listen directly from field-level stakeholders in India and we are excited because learnings from India can be useful for other LMICs to tackle AMR. Proactive planning to establish antimicrobial stewardship enabling systems will promote health preparedness and responsive policy that can help the right patient get the right antibiotic while preserving reserve antibiotics as a precious global good," she said.

Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, President of the Infection Control Academy of India, further illuminated the local scenario, pointing out the dual challenge of accessibility and excess. "The antimicrobial resistance challenge presents a delicate balance between access and excess. While India's robust pharmaceutical industry ensures affordable antibiotics, this accessibility, especially in regions like Telangana, it throws the challenge of misuse, which risks losing our most valuable antibiotics."

The collective deliberations during the consultation underscore the critical need for coordinated efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use. By fostering antimicrobial stewardship from policy to practice, the goal is to ensure the sustainable use of antibiotics, safeguarding them for future generations.