It addresses the antibiotic discharge from manufacturing which is recognised as a significant driver of the growing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) crisis.

AMR caused by pharmaceutical manufacturing

• Wastewater generated from antibiotic manufacturing, containing antibiotic residue, pollutes the water bodies like rivers and also seeps into the land.
• Currently, antibiotic pollution from manufacturing is largely unregulated and quality assurance criteria typically do not address environmental emissions.

About AMR

• AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. (As per WHO)
• It is a natural process that happens over time through genetic changes in pathogens. 
• Its emergence and spread is accelerated by human activity, mainly the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials.
• The creation of “superbugs” affects healthcare everywhere, but has especially poor outcomes in patients suffering from multiple diseases.

Concerns related to AMR

• Human and animal health: WHO lists AMR among the top 10 threats for global health. 
  • In 2019, 1.27 million deaths were directly attributed to drug-resistant infections globally.
• Environment: AMR has a potential to negatively impact biodiversity through pollution and rise of zoonotic diseases.
• Food and nutrition security: AMR threatens agriculture and animal husbandry. 
• Economic development and social equity: productivity losses, increased healthcare costs and rise in poverty.