Raipur: On the occasion of World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, a special program was organized jointly by the Departments of Pharmacology and Microbiology at Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur to promote awareness regarding the rational use of antibiotics.
The event was inaugurated in the Pharmacology Department lecture hall by the Dean of the Medical College, Dr. Vivek Choudhary. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that the rational (appropriate) use of antibiotics is extremely essential. Misuse or unnecessary consumption of antibiotics increases the risk of antimicrobial resistance, he stated. He further added that medicines prescribed by doctors must be taken strictly for the advised duration to ensure their effectiveness.
Head of the Department of Pharmacology, Dr. Usha Joshi, explained that Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a condition in which microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites become resistant to drugs (including antibiotics), making infections difficult or even impossible to treat. She informed that World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week is observed every year from 18 to 24 November, with the aim of increasing global awareness about AMR and encouraging the adoption of effective infection-control practices. She also highlighted that Antimicrobial Stewardship is a coordinated strategy to promote the appropriate use of antimicrobial medicines, improve therapeutic outcomes, and reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Associate Professor Dr. Shikha Jaiswal discussed various causes of AMR and preventive measures to control it. From the Microbiology Department, Dr. Roopam Gehlot spoke about the global burden of AMR and warned that the situation could become more severe if timely action is not taken. She also gave a brief presentation on the development history of antibiotics.
The event witnessed the presence of Dr. Omkar Khandwal, Dr. Shubhra Agrawal, Dr. Neha Srivastava, Dr. Maya Ramteke, Dr. Sandeep Agrawal, PG doctors and more than 250 MBBS students from various academic years.
At the conclusion of the program, a pledge was administered to all participants to promote the limited and rational use of antibiotics. Additionally, a poster competition, quiz and slogan competition were organized for medical students, which concluded with a prize distribution ceremony.
