Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Introduced in Punjab and Andhra Pradesh by ECHO India
The non-profit trust ECHO India has launched an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. The three-year pilot will be implemented in the states of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, engaging 400 healthcare professionals from tertiary care centres.
The program, launched in August 2025, aims to combat AMR in India by training and mentoring healthcare professionals in rational antibiotic use and infection prevention. It uses ECHO's proven hub-and-spoke model to mentor healthcare workers, guide clinical practice, and develop master trainers.
The launch event was held at the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) and was attended by health experts such as Maj. Gen. (Dr) Atul Kotwal, Dr. Ranga Reddy Burri, Dr. Sangeeta Sharma, Dr. Nusrat Shafiq, and Dr. Anuj Sharma. The event was sourced from a syndicated feed and published by PTI.
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. The program directly targets these drivers by improving stewardship practices.
The program's impact and effectiveness are grounded in several key strategies. Capacity Building develops a cadre of master trainers who can lead large-scale stewardship initiatives, amplifying the program’s reach and sustainability. Mentoring and Clinical Guidance provide ongoing clinical mentoring to improve antibiotic prescribing practices and infection control.
While specific quantitative outcomes on reduced antibiotic misuse or resistance rates have not yet been reported, the involvement of national health experts and focus on capacity strengthening indicate robust foundational effectiveness.
ECHO India, established in 2008, is dedicated to transforming healthcare, education, gender, and livelihoods. In addition to its work in healthcare, ECHO India also partners with the Ministry of Agriculture to improve educational outcomes and support livelihoods in agriculture and climate resilience.
The Antimicrobial Stewardship Program launch was also attended by experts from NHSRC, ICMR, and IFCAI, underscoring the importance of this initiative in the Indian healthcare landscape. The program partners with prestigious institutions like AIIMS and NIMHANS, further solidifying its commitment to improving healthcare practices in India.
In summary, ECHO India’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program is a strategically designed and contextually relevant intervention expected to enhance antimicrobial use rationality and help curb resistance trends in India through scalable healthcare professional training and mentorship.
- The business sector of healthcare is addressing a significant challenge with the Antimicrobial Stewartship Program launched by ECHO India.
- This program aims to change the culture of antibiotic use in India.
- Many experts within the industry share an opinion that this issue is one of the most pressing public health challenges of the present time.
- Education plays a crucial role in the program, training healthcare professionals to use antibiotics rationally and prevent infections.
- Health and wellness are at the heart of this program, focusing on managing medical-conditions such as chronic kidney disease, cancer, and respiratory conditions.
- Various news outlets, including PTI, reported on the launch of the program, highlighting its potential impact.
- Science is the foundation for the program's strategies, grounding its impact and effectiveness.
- The program targets chronic diseases, one of which is chronic kidney disease, by improving stewardship practices.
- The issue of antimicrobial resistance calls for innovative therapies and treatments, and this program is a step towards that goal.
- Cardiovascular health is also affected by the misuse of antibiotics, making this program relevant to cardiovascular health care.
- The initiative demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit in addressing a critical issue within the industry.
- Interior design and architecture can play a role in the success of the program, designing healthcare facilities that promote infection control.
- Cooking, especially food preparation in healthcare facilities, is essential in maintaining health standards, which the program addresses.
- Transportation is crucial in implementing the program across the states of Punjab and Andhra Pradesh.
- Leadership is vital in driving the program's success, as demonstrated by the involvement of national health experts.
- Diversity and inclusion are essential in creating a program that serves the entire population, with the program's reach extending to rural healthcare facilities.
- Cybersecurity is relevant to the program, ensuring data related to the program's impact and effectiveness is secure.
- Lifestyle changes, such as adopting healthy cooking methods, are encouraged to prevent antibiotic resistance.
- Outdoor living and gardening can contribute to sustainable living, promoting overall health and wellness.
- Fashion and beauty industries can contribute to the program by promoting hygienic practices and skin care.
- The food and drink industry, particularly in restaurants and dining establishments, should follow safe food handling practices to prevent infections.
- The automotive industry plays a role in the program's implementation, as vehicles are used to transport healthcare professionals.
- Small businesses in retail and manufacturing should also consider the impact of their operations on antimicrobial resistance.
- Investing in such initiatives that address chronic diseases is crucial for personal finance and venture capital.
- Home improvement can include measures to prevent the spread of microbes, aligning with the program's goals.
- Baking recipes can be adapted to promote healthy cooking, further supporting the program's objectives.
- Global cuisines can incorporate locally available and antibiotic-free ingredients to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
- Banking and insurance institutions can support the program by funding research and development in this area.
- Real estate development can incorporate designs that promote health and wellness, supporting the objectives of the program.
- Stock market investors can make informed decisions by considering the long-term impacts of businesses on health and antimicrobial resistance trends.
