Orchid Pharma, in collaboration with the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO), is intensifying efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across India. Their joint mission is to arm healthcare practitioners with essential resources, knowledge, and education for effective antimicrobial management. Targeting primarily tier 2 and tier 3 cities, this partnership aims to translate awareness into concrete actions, fostering lasting solutions in AMR management.
At the recent National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, titled “Jyot se Jyot – Awareness to Action,” the seriousness of the AMR challenge was underscored. The event welcomed esteemed figures such as Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman & Senior Consultant at Narayana Group of Hospitals, and Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, Managing Director & CEO of Fortis Healthcare.
Additionally, the duo plans to initiate the first comprehensive nationwide Prescription Audit to pinpoint why and where deviations from standard prescription protocols occur. This endeavor will also bolster tier 1 and tier 2 city hospitals by enhancing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs with bedside digital support, sharing best practices with tier 2 institutions, and providing AMR education to both patients and their families.
Further expanding its commitment, Orchid Pharma pledges 1% of its Orblicef (cefepime-enmetazobactam) sales toward initiatives focused on AMR research, awareness, and capability enhancement throughout India.
Recognizing the limits of current diagnostic solutions, despite their ability to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, Orchid Pharma also announced an investment of Rs. 1 crore each for the development of two cutting-edge technologies. These include a Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostic tool designed for general practitioners to make swift assessments on bacterial infections and an ID-ST culture technology aimed at reducing decision-making time in ICU environments, improving care while minimizing unneeded antibiotics.
Rajnish Rohatgi, CEO of Orchid AMS, remarked, “By collaborating with CAHO and establishing a fund for AMR, we are undertaking significant strides reflecting our dedication to this vast AMR challenge. We aim to provide hospitals and clinicians with resources and insights needed for precise treatment decisions, thus reinforcing a robust and adaptive healthcare network.”
Vijay Agarwal, President of CAHO, stated, “Our goal is to equip every healthcare professional, from big cities to rural areas, with the vital resources and training necessary to maintain optimum antibiotic stewardship.”
Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, noted, “Antimicrobial resistance is a substantial public health challenge. By prioritizing awareness, laboratory capability enhancement, prevention, responsible antibiotic use, research, and collaborations, the strategy plans to achieve significant milestones, like a 10% decrease in AMR-related mortality, a 20% drop in improper human antibiotic use, and a 30% reduction in unsuitable antibiotics for animals by 2030.”