Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala released its 2023 antibiogram report that marks the third consecutive year of scheduled AMR surveillance. Presenting the report, Health Minister Veena George said that it throws light upon the urgent threat of antibiotic resistance, which has to be put under check in the State.

Key Highlights from the 2023 Antibiogram Report:Strategic Action Plans:
Kerala has implemented the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP) and established the Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-Net) in order to enhance its response to AMR.Network Expansion:
From 21 labs in 9 districts to 51 labs in 13 districts, it has expanded KARS-Net for the better collection and analysis of AMR data.

Comprehensive Data Collection:
It consisted of antimicrobial susceptibility testing data from 45,397 priority pathogens collected between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
Contributions were drawn from 34 surveillance laboratories from 11 districts.Why This Report Matters:
The antibiogram gives insight into the overuse of antibiotics, guiding clinicians and policymakers in reducing misuse.
It clearly points the extent and spread of geotropism and, hence, allows for better resource allocations and public health interventions.
This report, therefore, becomes a catalyst for public awareness of AMR and best practices for judicious use of antibiotics.

What Pharmacists and Healthcare Professionals Should Know:Promote Rational Use of Antibiotics: Counsel patients about the risks of self-medication with antibiotics and ensure prescriptions are aligned with resistance data.

Surveillance Networking: Engage with initiatives such as KARS-Net to build on the surveillance and reporting work of AMR.
Keep up-to-date with resistance patterns Use antibiogram data to alter purchasing and stocking patterns of available effective antibiotics.Minister Veena George emphasized that combating AMR is a team effort, requiring collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities. As Kerala continues to lead the way with its proactive approach, the hope is to mitigate the growing threat of antibiotic resistance in India and beyond.