The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has initiated a step towards mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in the veterinary sector. In a directive issued to all State and UT Drugs Controllers, the CDSCO announced plans to establish a structured Antimicrobial Use (AMU) reporting framework.
This initiative builds upon a request from the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The new framework will focus on the systematic collection of data concerning the production, sale, and import of antibiotics, as well as information on registered veterinary antimicrobials.
To ensure effective implementation and coordination at the national level, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted. This group will comprise representatives from the CDSCO, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), and State Licensing Authorities (SLAs). The JWG will serve as a collaborative body to streamline AMU data collection, reporting, and monitoring processes.
In light of this, all State and UT Drugs Controllers have been requested to:
- Nominate a Nodal Officer, not below the rank of Assistant Drugs Controller or Senior Official, to act as the primary contact for AMU data collection and coordination with the Joint Working Group.
- Provide a comprehensive list of veterinary pharmaceutical companies within their jurisdiction that are involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of veterinary antibiotics.
