Daily Current Affairs : 16-January-2024

In an effort to tackle the rising concern of antibiotic overuse, the Kerala Drug Control Department has launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health). This initiative is a crucial step towards promoting responsible antibiotic use and curbing the emergence of drug-resistant infections in the state.

Pharmacy Regulations:

As part of Operation Amrith, pharmacies are now mandated to adhere to strict regulations. These include maintaining accurate records of antibiotic sales, prominently displaying posters emphasizing that antibiotics are not to be sold without a doctor’s prescription, and ensuring compliance with prescription regulations. These measures are aimed at preventing the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and promoting a more cautious approach to their consumption.

Alignment with KARSAP:

Operation Amrith is in harmony with Kerala’s Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP). This strategic alignment underscores the state’s commitment to a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By integrating efforts across various sectors, the initiative aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by AMR effectively.

Comprehensive Initiatives:

Kerala has been proactive in implementing a range of initiatives to combat AMR. The Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign, block-level AMR Committees, and the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) are some notable endeavors. These initiatives collectively contribute to creating awareness about AMR, fostering responsible antibiotic use, and establishing a robust surveillance mechanism to monitor the prevalence of drug-resistant infections.

Preventing Drug-Resistant Infections:

The primary objective of Operation Amrith is to raise public awareness about the dangers of AMR, promote responsible antibiotic use, and prevent the further spread of drug-resistant infections. By combining regulatory measures, awareness campaigns, and surveillance networks, Kerala is taking a comprehensive approach to safeguard public health and mitigate the risks associated with antibiotic misuse.

Important Points:
  • Introduction to Operation Amrith:
    • Kerala Drug Control Department’s initiative to address antibiotic overuse.
    • Aimed at promoting responsible antibiotic use and curbing drug-resistant infections.
  • Pharmacy Regulations:
    • Pharmacies mandated to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales.
    • Display posters stating ‘antibiotics not sold without doctor’s prescription.’
    • Strict compliance with prescription regulations to prevent indiscriminate antibiotic use.
  • Alignment with KARSAP:
    • Operation Amrith aligns with Kerala’s Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP).
    • Demonstrates a multi-sectoral approach to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
  • Comprehensive Initiatives in Kerala:
    • Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign.
    • Block-level AMR Committees.
    • Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET).
  • Preventing Drug-Resistant Infections:
    • Primary objective is to raise public awareness about AMR.
    • Promotion of responsible antibiotic use.
    • Prevention of further spread of drug-resistant infections.
  • Holistic Approach:
    • Integration of regulatory measures, awareness campaigns, and surveillance networks.
    • Kerala’s commitment to adopting holistic strategies for public health.
Why In News

The Kerala Drug Control Department has launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to address the growing concern of antibiotic overuse, aiming to safeguard public health and promote responsible antibiotic usage in the state.

MCQs about Operation Amrith

  1. What is the primary objective of Operation Amrith in Kerala?
    A. Increase antibiotic sales
    B. Promote responsible antibiotic use
    C. Eliminate pharmacies
    D. Reduce doctor visits
    Correct Answer: B. Promote responsible antibiotic use
    Explanation: Operation Amrith aims to curb antibiotic overuse and promote responsible antibiotic use to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant infections.
  2. What regulations are pharmacies required to follow under Operation Amrith?
    A. Display advertisements for antibiotics
    B. Maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales
    C. Sell antibiotics without prescriptions
    D. Ignore prescription regulations
    Correct Answer: B. Maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales
    Explanation: Pharmacies are mandated to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales, emphasizing responsible practices.
  3. How does Operation Amrith align with Kerala’s efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR)?
    A. Contradicts AMR initiatives
    B. Focuses only on pharmacy regulations
    C. Demonstrates a multi-sectoral approach
    D. Ignores AMR challenges
    Correct Answer: C. Demonstrates a multi-sectoral approach
    Explanation: Operation Amrith aligns with Kerala’s Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), reflecting a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy against AMR.
  4. Which of the following is NOT part of the comprehensive initiatives implemented in Kerala to combat AMR?
    A. Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign
    B. Block-level AMR Committees
    C. Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET)
    D. Antibiotic Overuse Reduction Program
    Correct Answer: D. Antibiotic Overuse Reduction Program
    Explanation: While Operation Amrith addresses antibiotic overuse, it is not explicitly mentioned as a part of the initiatives implemented in Kerala. The mentioned initiatives include the Antibiotic Literate Kerala Campaign, block-level AMR Committees, and KARS-NET.

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