The Kerala Health Department has released new operational guidelines aimed at strengthening the state’s fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by designating ‘Antibiotic Smart’ hospitals and panchayats, officials announced this week. The move is part of the broader Antibiotic Literate Kerala initiative, positioning the state at the forefront of AMR mitigation efforts in India and globally.
Under the guidelines, hospitals and local self-government institutions must adopt a comprehensive antibiotic stewardship framework and implement a colour-coding accreditation system that reflects each facility’s compliance with standards to prevent the misuse of antibiotics. All public hospitals under the Health and Medical Education departments are required to be colour-coded within the next three months, while private hospitals must also comply through district and block AMR committees.
The colour codes — ranging from light blue for full compliance to other colours indicating progressive levels — will help communities and patients identify facilities that meet high standards of antimicrobial stewardship, rational antibiotic use, and infection control. The guidelines also mandate the formation of antimicrobial stewardship committees at healthcare institutions to monitor antibiotic prescriptions, promote responsible usage, and oversee compliance.
For panchayats, the programme encourages antibiotic literacy and community engagement. Kerala is the first state in the world to introduce the concept of an Antibiotic Literate Panchayat, aiming to raise awareness at the grassroots level about the risks of antibiotic overuse and resistance. Educational campaigns under the slogan “My Kerala, Antibiotic Literate Kerala” will be rolled out to reach rural and urban communities alike.
Health Minister Veena George described the guidelines as a “One Health approach” that unites hospitals, local governments, healthcare providers and the public to tackle the silent epidemic of AMR, which threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating common infections.
These guidelines are expected to enhance surveillance of antibiotic use, promote best practices in antibiotic prescribing, and fortify Kerala’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of resistant bacteria across human health, community settings and healthcare systems.
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