India has developed a National action plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Addressing a function on Inter-Ministerial consultation on anti-Microbial Resistance containment in New Delhi today, Health Minister J P Nadda said, the action plan has objectives of enhancing awareness, strengthening surveillance, improving rational use of antibiotics, reducing infections and promoting research.<br/><br/>He said, the action plan has been prepared through extensive national consultations with various stakeholders. Mr Nadda said, Health Ministry has taken a lead in this effort at international fora and has initiated series of actions including setting up a National Surveillance System for AMR, enacted regulations to regulate sale of antibiotics.<br/><br/>The Minister said, antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health that requires action across all government sectors and society. He said, single, isolated interventions have limited impact and coordinated action is required to minimize the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. <br/><br/>Later, a Delhi Declaration was signed for collectively making a strategy to contain AMR. It pledges to adopt a holistic and collaborative approach towards prevention and containment of antimicrobial resistance in India. It calls on all stakeholders including United Nation, World health Organisation and other UN agencies, civil society organizations to support the development and implementation of the national and state action plans on AMR.