Daily Current Affairs : 30-September-2024

In a significant move to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kerala government launched Operation Amrith in 2023. This initiative aims to prevent the misuse of antibiotics, which has become a major concern in public health. A key feature of the operation is the strict enforcement of the 2011 H1 rule, which prohibits the sale of antibiotics without a prescription.

Objective of Operation Amrith

The main goal of Operation Amrith is to curb the irrational and overuse of antibiotics in Kerala. Antibiotics are powerful medications that help treat bacterial infections, but when used improperly—such as without a doctor’s prescription—they can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the drugs meant to kill them, making infections harder to treat.

Key Features of Operation Amrith

Operation Amrith is focused on several key actions:

  • Enforcing the 2011 H1 Rule: This rule bans the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics in Kerala, meaning that pharmacies cannot sell these drugs without a doctor’s prescription.
  • Targeting Pharmacies and Medical Stores: The initiative specifically targets pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical stores to ensure they comply with the 2011 rule.
  • Antibiotic Stewardship: The program encourages proper use of antibiotics, focusing on their rational use and preventing over-prescription or misuse.

Why Operation Amrith Is Important

Kerala’s approach stands out in India because the state has maintained strict adherence to the 2011 H1 rule, unlike other states that adopted a more lenient 2013 rule, which allowed the OTC sale of first-line antibiotics. By enforcing the original rule, Kerala aims to:

  • Reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
  • Lower the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Promote healthier practices in the medical community.

Goals and Impact

The ultimate target of Operation Amrith is to completely stop the OTC sale of antibiotics without prescriptions by the end of 2024. Early results have been promising:

  • A ₹1,000 crore decline in antibiotic sales has already been observed, indicating that the initiative is having a measurable impact.
  • The program also aims for a sustained reduction in the misuse of antibiotics, contributing to long-term health benefits.

Important Points:

  • Operation Amrith was launched by the Kerala government in 2023 to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • The initiative enforces the 2011 H1 rule, which bans the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of all antibiotics without a prescription.
  • The main goal is to curb the irrational use of antibiotics and reduce the rise of AMR.
  • Key actions of Operation Amrith include:
    • Strict enforcement of the 2011 H1 rule.
    • Targeting pharmacies, hospitals, and medical stores to ensure compliance.
    • Promoting antibiotic stewardship to ensure rational and controlled use of antibiotics.
  • Kerala remains committed to the 2011 H1 rule, unlike other states that adopted a more lenient 2013 rule.
  • Target of Operation Amrith: Completely stop the OTC sale of antibiotics without prescriptions by the end of 2024.
  • Early success includes a ₹1,000 crore decline in antibiotic sales, indicating reduced misuse.
  • The initiative aims to sustain long-term reductions in antibiotic misuse, helping to prevent AMR.

Why In News

Kerala has taken a significant step in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by launching Operation Amrith, a comprehensive initiative aimed at enforcing the 2011 H1 rule to prohibit the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of antibiotics, ensuring that these powerful medications are only used under proper medical guidance to prevent misuse and resistance.

MCQs about Kerala’s Operation Amrith

  1. What is the main objective of Operation Amrith launched by Kerala?
    A. To increase the availability of antibiotics
    B. To promote the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions
    C. To curb the irrational use of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
    D. To reduce the number of pharmacies in Kerala
    Correct Answer: C. To curb the irrational use of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
    Explanation: Operation Amrith was launched to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by reducing the misuse of antibiotics, which is a major factor in AMR.
  2. Which rule is being enforced through Operation Amrith to prohibit the OTC sale of antibiotics?
    A. 2013 H1 Rule
    B. 2011 H1 Rule
    C. 2020 H1 Rule
    D. 2005 AMR Rule
    Correct Answer: B. 2011 H1 Rule
    Explanation: Operation Amrith is specifically focused on enforcing the 2011 H1 rule, which bans the sale of all antibiotics without a prescription, in order to prevent their misuse.
  3. What significant impact has Operation Amrith already shown?
    A. A complete ban on pharmacies
    B. A ₹1,000 crore decline in antibiotic sales
    C. Increased antibiotic resistance
    D. Rise in the number of over-the-counter pharmacies
    Correct Answer: B. A ₹1,000 crore decline in antibiotic sales
    Explanation: Operation Amrith has already led to a ₹1,000 crore decline in antibiotic sales, indicating that the initiative is successfully reducing the misuse of antibiotics.
  4. By when does Kerala aim to completely stop the OTC sale of antibiotics under Operation Amrith?
    A. By the end of 2025
    B. By the end of 2024
    C. By the end of 2023
    D. By the end of 2022
    Correct Answer: B. By the end of 2024
    Explanation: The target of Operation Amrith is to completely stop the OTC sale of antibiotics without prescriptions by the end of 2024, which is a key goal in addressing AMR.

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