In a significant move that has galvanized public health experts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the final episode of his 'Mann ki Baat' radio address for 2025 to issue a stern warning on the escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The address, delivered recently, has found strong resonance with healthcare professionals who have long been advocating for urgent action.
Hyderabad Academy Echoes PM's Concerns, Cites Critical Drivers
Reacting to the Prime Minister's message, the Hyderabad-based Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI) stated on Monday that the national spotlight is a crucial step forward. The academy pinpointed several key factors accelerating the AMR threat in India. These include the unchecked and inappropriate use of antibiotics, weak systems for preventing infections in healthcare settings, and the widespread, unregulated access to antimicrobial drugs.
This easy availability and misuse are severely undermining the treatment of common but potentially deadly infections. Earlier in his address, PM Modi had cited alarming findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The data clearly shows that the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, frequently without any medical supervision, are rendering these vital drugs less effective.
Common Infections Becoming Harder to Treat
The Prime Minister specifically warned that infections which were once routinely managed are now becoming formidable challenges for doctors. He highlighted that pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and bloodstream infections are increasingly difficult to treat due to growing resistance. His advice to citizens was clear and direct: resort to antibiotics only when prescribed by a qualified doctor.
Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, a senior public health expert and President of IFCAI, emphasized the global and local scale of the problem. "AMR already contributes to millions of deaths globally each year," he stated. He noted that low- and middle-income countries, including India, bear a disproportionate burden. This is due to a combination of high infection rates, limited diagnostic facilities, and the troubling ease of accessing antibiotics without prescriptions.
A Call for Political Leadership and Systemic Strengthening
Dr. Burri believes the high-level attention from the Prime Minister provides "critical momentum" to advance IFCAI's core mission. This mission focuses on building a competent workforce specialized in Infection Prevention and Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship. The goal is to strengthen hospital systems and support evidence-based antibiotic use across India and other resource-constrained settings.
Noting that national discourse can accelerate on-ground action, Dr. Burri underscored that strong political leadership is now essential. He called for concerted efforts to strengthen infection prevention practices in all healthcare facilities, promote responsible antibiotic use among both the public and medical professionals, and build a trained healthcare workforce that extends from major hospitals to local communities.
The unified message from the Prime Minister's office and leading public health institutions marks a pivotal moment in India's fight against a silent pandemic. It signals a move towards a more coordinated national strategy to preserve the effectiveness of existing medicines for future generations.
