Experts Sound Alarm on Antimicrobial Resistance Crisis at Gorakhpur Seminar
In Gorakhpur, a critical warning was issued on Friday regarding the escalating global health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is being fueled by the rampant misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Professor Pradyot Prakash, speaking at a national seminar, emphasized that this issue is responsible for millions of deaths annually worldwide, marking it as a rapidly emerging crisis that demands immediate attention.
National Seminar Addresses AMR Challenges
The discussion took place during the second day of the three-day national seminar titled "AMR-Shield 2026", organized by the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University. Held at the Panchkarma auditorium on the university campus, the event brought together experts to delve into the complexities of AMR and explore potential solutions.
Professor Prakash detailed how bacteria develop resistance through genetic changes, employing mechanisms such as enzyme production, target modification, efflux pumps, and biofilm formation. "These mechanisms make infections increasingly difficult to treat, posing a severe challenge to modern medicine," he explained, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.
Call for Robust Antibiotic Policies and Alternative Approaches
Another speaker, Amaresh Kumar Singh, stressed the necessity for a robust antibiotic policy to curb the indiscriminate use of medicines without proper testing. He raised concerns over current practices that contribute to the acceleration of AMR, advocating for stricter regulations and better healthcare protocols.
Deepa Srivastava presented on microbiome-based antimicrobials, highlighting that secondary metabolites derived from local microbial communities could offer promising alternatives to combat AMR. This innovative approach suggests leveraging natural resources to develop new treatments.
Environmental and Traditional Perspectives on AMR
In the final session of the day, Professor Shailendra Kumar discussed the environmental spread of antibiotic resistance, identifying hospital waste as a major source of AMR dissemination. He pointed out that improper disposal practices exacerbate the problem, calling for improved waste management systems.
Professor GS Tomar, joining the seminar online, elaborated on the Ayurvedic perspective on AMR. He noted that traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, could play a vital role in strengthening immunity and supporting resistance control, offering holistic approaches to complement modern treatments.
The seminar concluded with a consensus on the need for multidisciplinary efforts, including policy reforms, scientific innovation, and integration of traditional knowledge, to shield against the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
