CAHO & Orchid Pharma Join Forces To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

The Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) and Chennai-based Orchid Pharma  have embarked on a strategic partnership to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India. Marking the alliance, the two entities co-hosted the National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), themed “Jyot se Jyot – Awareness to Action,” during the World AMR Awareness Week observed from 18-24 November 2024.

The collaboration focuses on empowering healthcare systems in tier 2 and tier 3 cities with advanced AMR interventions. Beyond awareness, the partnership aims to implement sustainable strategies to curb irrational antibiotic use through hospital capacity-building programs and the nation’s first-ever Prescription Audit. This initiative seeks to identify and address deviations in antibiotic prescribing practices.

Orchid Pharma has committed 1 per cent of the sales from its patented molecule, ORBLICEF (Cefepime-Enmetazobactam), to fund AMR-related initiatives. In a significant move, Orchid will invest Rs 1 crore each to develop two groundbreaking technologies:

1. Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tools: Designed for general practitioners, these tools will offer a quick "Yes/No" assessment of bacterial infections to aid precise treatment.

2. Rapid Culture and Sensitivity Tests: Aimed at ICU settings, this technology will provide results in under 12 hours, minimizing the misuse of high-end antibiotics.

Speaking on the partnership, Rajnish Rohatgi, CEO of Orchid AMS, said, "We are committed to resolving the paradox of being profitable while doing good. Through this alliance and our investments in AMR, we aim to empower clinicians with actionable insights to curb irrational antibiotic use and build a resilient healthcare system."

Vijay Agarwal, President of CAHO, remarked, "This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to antibiotic stewardship. By working with Orchid Pharma, we can bridge systemic gaps and bring advanced healthcare technologies to all levels of care."

Dr. V. K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, highlighted the criticality of AMR, stating, "AMR claims approximately 2.9 lakh lives annually in India. The upcoming National Action Plan 2.0 aims to reduce mortality, promote rational antibiotic use, and strengthen laboratory capabilities. Partnerships like this are pivotal to achieving sustainable health outcomes."

Keynote speakers, including Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Group of Hospitals, and Dr. Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, CEO of Fortis Healthcare, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat AMR.