Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is compromising the efficacy of antibiotics, making infections more difficult to treat. It is posing a significant threat to global healthcare systems and national economies, and patient safety. Recognizing the urgency to address this challenge, L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) joined forces with Superheroes against Superbugs (SaS - an initiative that is dedicated to raising awareness on animicrobial resistance), the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), and the Infection Control Academy of India (IFCAI) to host a workshop aimed at orienting second-year medical students with the knowledge to combat the rising tide of antibiotic resistance.

Named the 'AMR Frontline Workshop,' the event took place at LVPEI's Kallam Anji Reddy campus in Banjara Hills. Over 85 students from medical institutions, including Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences, Osmania Medical College, and AIIMS Bibinagar, attended the workshop. The Alliance for Pathogen Surveillance in India (APSI), a multi-institutional, multi-city project funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, provided support for the workshop.

“By empowering and educating medical students, LVPEI and its partners aim to foster a new generation of healthcare professionals who are well-equipped to combat AMR and safeguard the effectiveness of antibiotics, ultimately ensuring the well-being of patients and the resilience of global healthcare systems,” Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair of LVPEI.

The workshop featured a distinguished panel of speakers from LVPEI, including Dr Prashant Garg, Dr Bhupesh Bagga (Cornea Specialist and Head of The Ramoji Foundation Centre for Eye Infections), and Dr Joveeta Joseph (Head of Microbiology). These experts covered various crucial topics, such as the introduction of AMR, responsible management of antimicrobial agents, antibiotic policy, and the challenges posed by AMR in clinical settings. Notably, Dr Ranga Reddy Burri, Presiden, t of the Infection Control Academy of India and Honorary Professor at the University of Hyderabad, actively engaged with the students during the workshop.