- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Pfizer Ltd will set up a centre to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in New Delhi.The joint initiative will implement a series of interventions in three areas namely Planning,Surveillance and Awareness around responsible use of antibiotics.
- The criticism against this collaboration is that it will give Pfizer access not just to doctors but also to policy makers.This is particularly useful for the company since its recent declaration that it will stop sponsoring and gifting doctors for promoting their product.
- The Indian government had also announced National action plan on antimicrobial resistance(NAP-AMR) which focuses on six priority areas which are a) awareness and understanding through education b)communication and training c) strengthening knowledge and evidence through surveillance d)infection prevention and control e) optimised antimicrobial use in animals and food and f) AMR-related research and innovation.
- ICMR is India’s apex scientific body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.It works under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
