National conference on AMR held in Kolkata
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 05 2024:
In an effort to address the global threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Institute of Imphal-based Bio-resources and Sustainable Development (DBT-IBSD), and ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata, joined forces with Society for Ethno-pharmacology, India in organising a two-day National Conference on "Exploring the Bio-resources of India to Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)" (AMRC-2024) .
The event, held at the Science City Auditorium in Kolkata on April 4 and 5, aimed to spotlight on the potential of India s rich bio-resources, including medicinal plants, microbes, mushrooms, and other natural sources, in developing new generation antimicrobial drugs.
AMR presents a pressing challenge globally, impacting both healthcare systems and economies.
With the efficacy of numerous antibiotics compromised by resistant microorganisms, the need for novel drugs, therapeutics, diagnostics, and preventives is paramount.
The North-East region (NER) of India, known for its biodiversity and cultural heritage, particularly stands out for its abundance of medicinal resources traditionally used by indigenous healthcare practitioners.
Recognising this, the conference underscored the importance of exploring NER's bio-resources for developing effective therapeutics against AMR.
The event had the participation of many eminent personalities including Prof Padmanabhan Balaram, former director of IISc, Bangalore, and recipient of Padma Bhushan, who delivered the keynote address as chief guest.
In his address, IBSD director Prof Pulok Kumar Mukherjee emphasised the significance of the conference for harnessing bio-resources, especially in the North-East, for combating AMR as Dr Shanta Dutta, director of ICMR-NICED, stressed the importance of identifying lead molecules to tackle AMR.
With more than 300 delegates in attendance, including scientists, professors, doctors, industrialists, and research scholars from across the country, the conference featured scientific sessions, panel discussions, an i-Connect Program Business meet on "Bio-resources to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Development of New Generation Antimicrobials," and best oral poster presentation sessions.
The collaborative effort showcased at the conference reflects a concerted commitment to addressing the critical issue of AMR through innovative research and strategic partnerships, underscoring India's potential to lead the fight against antimicrobial resistance on a global scale.