At the 15th Annual Conference of the Clinical Infectious Diseases Society (CIDSCON 2025), experts stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). The panel featured leading specialists from across India, including Dr. Vasant Nagwekar (Secretary, CIDS), Dr. George Varghese (CMC, Vellore), Dr. Rajeev Soman (Scientific Chairperson, CIDS), Dr. Parikshit Prayag, Dr. Ashwini Tayade, Dr. Ayesha Sunawala, Dr. Tanu Singhal, Dr. Shailendra Hodgar, Dr. V. Balaji (CMC, Vellore), and Dr. Kamini Walia (Senior Scientist, ICMR), who also served as the chief guest.
As per the press release, the experts collectively called for stronger anti-infectives, improved infection control, and an upgraded MBBS curriculum to address India’s growing AMR crisis and the rising challenge of treating complicated infections.
Judicious Use of Antibiotics is Critical
Dr. George Varghese emphasized the urgent need for rational antibiotic use. “Most of the antibiotics prescribed are unnecessary and given for too long. This constant antibiotic pressure drives resistance. Judicious use can make a big difference,” he said.
Strengthening Stewardship Programs
Highlighting the importance of hospital-based programs, Dr. Rajeev Soman urged hospitals to prioritize antibiotic stewardship. “AMR must be discussed in both large and small hospitals. Even basic practices like handwashing should be followed diligently. Patients and families should not insist on antibiotics unnecessarily. By the time patients reach multi-specialty hospitals, they are often already resistant, which complicates treatment,” he warned.
Addressing AMR Beyond Antibiotics
Dr. Vasant Nagwekar pointed out that 60–70% of third-generation sepsis cases in India are resistant to antibiotics. “India needs a robust antibiotic stewardship program. We must rationalize antibiotics based on protocols and guidelines to lower resistance. Besides AMR, diseases like TB, dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis are becoming harder to treat each year. Every infection needs the right drug, at the right time,” he said.
Medical System Needs an Upgrade
Dr. Subramanian, VP, CIDS, called for systemic reforms. “AMR is a complicated problem and cannot be solved with a single intervention. Sanitation is as important as antibiotics and vaccines in reducing infection-related deaths. The medical curriculum must integrate infection control to protect both patients and healthcare workers. In the West, all doctors, regardless of specialty, are trained in infection control — India must follow suit,” he stressed.
Preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections
Dr. V. Balaji underlined the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). “If a diabetic patient gets admitted and develops sepsis from a hospital-acquired infection, it becomes a double burden. Hospitals can become incubators for infection if strict protocols are not followed,” he explained.
Education and Sensitization Are Key
Dr. Kamini Walia highlighted the need for behavioral change in antibiotic prescription. “Because antibiotics are cheaper than diagnostics, doctors often bypass proper testing. This calls for more awareness and education among both physicians and the public. Our HAI program currently focuses on tertiary care hospitals with ICUs, but more must be done. India’s recent estimate of infection burden is helping shape policies. Resource allocation, infection controllers, and strict protocols are critical to reducing HAIs,” she said.
AMR – A Global Public Health Emergency
AMR has become a serious global health threat, projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if left unaddressed. It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites no longer respond to available treatments, allowing pathogens to thrive. Experts agreed that overuse and misuse of antibiotics remain the primary drivers of resistance and called for immediate, coordinated action.