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India launches National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance
*Corresponding author: Bhaskar Shenoy, Department of Pediatrics, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. bshenoy@gmail.com
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How to cite this article: Shenoy B. India launches National Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance. Karnataka Paediatr J. 2025;40:89-91. doi: 10.25259/KPJ_81_2025
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has been identified as a global health threat with serious health, political and economic implications. AMR leads to delays in treatment, thus increasing the risk of spreading resistant microorganisms and healthcare costs, and the economic burden to families and societies. AMR threatens the safety and effectiveness of procedures such as surgical interventions, cancer treatment and organ transplants, thereby having the potential to reverse the advancements made not only in modern medicine but also in the growth and economy at the global and national levels.
AMR is recognised as the National Priority and the Union Health Ministry has taken several steps for AMR Containment. The National Task Force on AMR Containment was constituted in 2010, leading to the development of the national policy on AMR containment in early 2011. In April 2017, the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR), developed in alignment with the global action plan (GAP), was launched, which was to be implemented over the next 5 years (2017–2021).
While AMR is a multisectoral issue and requires a One Health Approach for its containment, only when each sector, i.e., human, animal, agriculture and environment sectors, is committed to action to contain AMR, can the One Health approach be successful. The development of NAPAMR 2.0 started in 2022 through a series of stakeholder consultations held for the human health sector, research sector, professional associations and civil society organisations, environment and animal husbandry sectors. This was followed by high-level meetings conducted at National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog with participants from more than 20 concerned ministries and departments. Each stakeholder ministry/department developed its respective action plan with defined goals and timelines.
The Government of India has launched the second version of the NAP-AMR 2.0 for the period of 2025–2029 on November 18, 2025. The plan aims to combat rising AMR through a comprehensive ‘One Health’ approach.
The updated NAP-AMR includes specific action plans of each key stakeholder ministry/department with timelines and budgets to enable effective monitoring of progress in the implementation of the National Action Plan. The updated NAP AMR also includes well-defined mechanisms for coordination and collaboration within and across the sectors. After its launch, each stakeholder ministry/department is expected to develop its implementation roadmap, ensuring engagement of the private sector, technical institutions, professional groups, industry, cooperatives, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), international partners and other relevant organisations. During the launch event on the occasion of the first World AMR Awareness Week, all stakeholders have once again reaffirmed their determination to implement the National Action Plan 2.0 for containing AMR.
KEY DETAILS OF NAP-AMR 2.0
Timeline: The strategic framework covers 2025–2029.
Approach: It employs a ‘One Health’ approach involving collaboration across various sectors, including human health, animal health, agriculture and environment, with participation from over 20 ministries and departments.
Objectives: The plan outlines six strategic objectives focused on areas such as improving public awareness, strengthening surveillance, reducing infections, optimising antimicrobial use, promoting research and reinforcing governance.
Improvements over the first plan: NAP-AMR 2.0 builds on the initial plan (2017–2021) with enhanced ownership and inter-sectoral coordination. Each ministry has specific action plans with timelines and budgets for monitoring.
WHAT IS IT?
NAP-AMR 2.0 is India’s updated 5-year strategic framework (2025–29) to combat rising AMR through a One Health approach covering human, animal, agriculture and environmental sectors.
It replaces and expands the earlier NAP-AMR 2017–2021, incorporating gaps identified during its implementation.
Launched by: Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
AIM
To create a coordinated, multi-sectoral national response to AMR using a One Health framework.
To reduce misuse/overuse of antimicrobials and strengthen laboratory surveillance, stewardship and infection control.
KEY FEATURES OF NAP-AMR 2.0
One health integration: Brings together human health, animal husbandry, agriculture, food safety, environment and research sectors under a unified national framework.
Ministry-specific action plans: Each of the 20+ ministries (Health, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Environment, forests and climate change (MoEFCC), department of science and technology (DST), Chemicals, Jal Shakti, etc.) has its own action plan, budget, goals and timelines.
Strengthened surveillance and laboratory capacity: Focus on expanding diagnostic networks, AMR laboratories, pathogen tracking and infection prevention and control across hospitals.
Antibiotic stewardship and regulatory measures: Controls irrational antibiotic use; promotes prescription auditing; supports state actions, such as Kerala and Gujarat banning over the counter (OTC) antibiotic sales.
Public and professional awareness: Nationwide awareness campaigns, medical curriculum integration and training programs for healthcare providers, veterinarians and pharmacists.
Environment and agriculture measures: Regulates antimicrobial/pesticide usage in crops; monitors pharmaceutical waste; promotes safe livestock practices.
Innovation and research push: Strengthens the India AMR Innovation Hub to develop new diagnostics, technologies and collaborative R&D models.
SIGNIFICANCE
Addresses India’s growing AMR burden: India has one of the highest global AMR rates, threatening surgeries, cancer care, organ transplants and routine medical procedures.
Ensures policy continuity and global alignment: Aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO’s) GAP on AMR and strengthens India’s position as a global leader in AMR containment.
Whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach: Engages ministries, private sector, NGOs, professional bodies and international partners – boosting accountability and multisectoral coordination.
NAP-AMR 2.0 addresses the gaps identified in the first NAPAMR by increasing the ownership of AMR-related efforts, strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and ensuring stronger engagement with the private sector. Asserting on the key strategies of AMR containment, which are to be implemented under NAP AMR 2.0, the importance of increasing awareness, education and training, the requirement of enhancing laboratory capacity and infection control in healthcare facilities are given priority. NAP-AMR 2.0 is a timely initiative for generating a more coherent action plan, which is aptly being released on the 1st day of the WHO’s World AMR Awareness Week (18–24 Nov). India is one of the pioneers in driving this initiative globally. AMR is like a pandemic affecting many countries, especially the developing countries in Asia and Africa.
AMR is a national priority due to the public health risks it presents. AMR is a major public health concern that can only be addressed through collective action. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency of corrective measures. AMR poses significant risks, particularly in surgical procedures, cancer treatment and other critical healthcare interventions. Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have unfortunately become common practice, underscoring the urgency of corrective measures. Kerala and Gujarat are the first states to ban over-the-counter sales of antibiotics. Some antimicrobials and pesticides have also been banned for use in crops. The India AMR Innovation Hub was established, involving both national and international stakeholders to build a novel technology platform. It has helped in mobilising resources, bringing out innovation and enhancing collaboration between multiple stakeholders.
NAP-AMR 2.0 represents a significant commitment by India to address the growing threat of AMR. With its comprehensive approach and emphasis on accountability, this plan has the potential to protect public health, promote sustainable development and contribute to global health security. Together we can combat AMR and ensure a healthier future for all.