Why is antibiotic resistance getting worse in India ? Discuss the strategies and action plans in India to deal with this.
In short
Antibiotic resistance is worsening in India because of over-the-counter sales and self-medication, weak healthcare infrastructure, antibiotics in animal feed and pharmaceutical effluents. India responds through the National Action Plan on AMR (2017), ICMR surveillance and Schedule H1 sale restrictions, though few states besides Kerala have state plans.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 246 words
Unregulated Antibiotic Sales
Easy over-the-counter access and informal providers promote self-medication and resistance.
Healthcare Infrastructure Deficits
Andhra Pradesh’s CAG 2024 audit reveals 743 specialist vacancies and only 175 Community Health Centres against 412 required, causing empirical antibiotic use.
Environmental Contamination
Pharmaceutical effluents in industrial hubs like Visakhapatnam release antibiotic residues, fostering resistant bacteria.
Agricultural Antibiotic Use
Antibiotics in animal feed contribute to cross-sectoral AMR spread.
National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) 2017
A multi-sectoral One Health2 approach focusing on awareness, surveillance, rational use, and research.
Surveillance Expansion
ICMR’s data from 25 hospitals needs broadening, including in Andhra Pradesh, for targeted interventions.
Regulatory Measures
Schedule H1 restricts OTC sales; national guidelines standardize use but enforcement is uneven.
State Initiatives
Kerala’s AMR plan is a model; Andhra Pradesh requires capacity building and formal plans.
Strengthen Infrastructure
Fill vacancies and expand Community Health Centres in Andhra Pradesh.
Enhance Surveillance
Broaden ICMR’s network for real-time AMR data.
Public Awareness
Community campaigns in Andhra Pradesh on antibiotic misuse dangers.
Regulatory Enforcement
Enforce Schedule H1 and regulate pharmaceutical effluents in Visakhapatnam.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.