Union Health Minister Launches NAP-AMR 2.0 to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in India

Shri Nadda noted the importance of raising awareness, education, and training, as well as enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities. File Photo.

Union Health Minister Shri J P Nadda launched the second version of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR 2.0) for 2025–2029 today. It is a decisive move towards strengthening India’s fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) The launch coincided with the first day of the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) 2025.This highlights India’s continuous commitment for addressing this growing public health challenge.

Shri Nadda emphasized that AMR is a major global and national health concern.It poses serious risks to surgical procedures, cancer treatment, and other critical healthcare interventions. He stressed that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics has become common practice, underscoring the urgency of collective and corrective measures.He stated that AMR can only be addressed through collective action.He also added that NAP-AMR 2.0 addresses gaps identified in the first plan (2017–2021) by increasing ownership, strengthening inter-sectoral coordination, and ensuring stronger engagement with the private sector.

The updated plan introduces defined responsibilities, measurable timelines, and budget-linked action strategies for over 20 key ministries, including Health, Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, Environment, Science & Technology, Jal Shakti, Education, AYUSH, and the Department of Pharmaceuticals. According to a press statement by the Union Health Ministry each ministry will now develop its own implementation roadmap, engaging stakeholders such as civil society, professional groups, industry, NGOs, and international partners.

Shri Nadda noted the importance of raising awareness, education, and training, as well as enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities. Dr A K Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor, described NAP-AMR 2.0 as a “timely initiative” and acknowledged India’s leadership in driving global action on AMR. States like Kerala and Gujarat have set precedents by banning over-the-counter sales of antibiotics, while the India AMR Innovation Hub has fostered innovation and collaboration across sectors.

AMR, which is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites developing resistance to drugs, is recognized as a national priority due to its health, economic, and social implications. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), over 297,000 deaths were directly attributable to AMR in 2019 in India, with over 1 million associated deaths. The updated action plan is focused at containing this threat through a multi-sectoral, One Health approach, ensuring coordinated action across human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental sectors.

With NAP-AMR 2.0, India has reinforced its resolve to tackle AMR, aligning national efforts with global priorities while fostering accountability, innovation, and multi-sectoral cooperation.