IMA Launches ‘AMR Smart Hospital Project’ to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in India

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The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has unveiled the IMA AMR Smart Hospital Project, a nationwide initiative aimed at tackling the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in healthcare facilities. This program seeks to enhance Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) strategies to curb the spread of resistant pathogens and improve patient safety.

“Our hospitals are reservoirs of pathogens, making it imperative to implement strong IPC and AMS protocols. With this initiative, we aim to set benchmarks for safe and effective healthcare delivery in the fight against AMR,” said Dr. Anilkumar J Nayak, Secretary General of IMA.

Strengthening Healthcare Practices

As reported by economictimes, the project will focus on monitoring AMR patterns, improving antimicrobial use, and preventing the transmission of resistant microbes within healthcare settings. It builds on the success of a pilot program conducted at KD Hospital in Ahmedabad, Mahavir Jaipuria Rajasthan Hospital in Jaipur, Sehgal Neo Hospital in Delhi, and Ananthapuri Hospital and Research Institute in Kerala.

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An Accreditation Committee has been established to oversee the project, including conducting on-site assessments to evaluate compliance and outcomes. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for effective healthcare delivery while addressing the urgent challenge of AMR in India.