ISLAMABAD: Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination (NHSRC) Mrs Saira Afzal Tarar Thursday said government considers Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) containment as a priority and is committed to implementing the Global Action Plan (GAP) for AMR.
The minister made these remarks while addressing the first National Policy Development Workshop on Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) which concluded here on Wednesday.
She said this National AMR Policy is being developed which is in line with the five strategic objectives of the WHO Global Action Plan for AMR focusing on improving awareness and understanding of AMR, said a press release issued here.
Saira said that the government was strengthening the knowledge and evidence base through surveillance and research while reducing the incidence of infection through effective sanitation; hygiene and infection prevention measures, optimizing the use of antimicrobial medicines in human and animal health.
The workshop was attended by representatives and experts from federal and provincial health departments/institutions, other relevant stakeholders and subject matter experts involved in production, regulation, consumption, research and prescription of antibiotics.
The antimicrobial resistance is a global phenomenon and there are reports of increasing occurrence of AMR causing germs that threaten human and animal health. As a consequence the infections due to resistant organisms can be severe, including longer illnesses, increased deaths, prolonged hospital stay, and increased costs.
Earlier during the inaugural session the Secretary Ministry NHRS&C said the Ministry of National Health Services in collaboration with stakeholders has initiated the process of AMR policy development. "We are fully aware of the magnitude of the AMR and its commitment to the global forum and announced a national strategic and operational plan will be in place by May 2017".
He urged the experts to reflect upon the principles of engagement of whole-of-society including a one-health approach; appropriate use of existing and new antimicrobial medicines; sustainability through long-term Investment and prioritization of actions required to meet local and global needs in all such initiatives.
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