Posted by : Admin|Date : 24 Nov, 2025|Location : Karamsad

BU & SKH Marked AMR Awareness Week with Educational and Training Initiatives

Bhaikaka University and Shree Krishna Hospital celebrated Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week with activities promoting responsible antibiotic use and highlighting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The Microbiology Department of Shree Krishna Hospital observed the week from 18th to 24th November,2025 through initiatives aimed at educating students, healthcare workers, and the public on safe antibiotic practices.

Medical students actively participated in awareness activities, reinforcing the message that antibiotics should be used only when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals. On 24th November, 2025 an awareness drive was held in the hospital reception area, where students and nursing staff interacted with about 200 patients and their relatives. They shared information on the safe use of antibiotics, the risks of misuse, and the importance of completing prescribed courses. The observance emphasized that responsible antibiotic use and timely consultation with healthcare providers are essential to preventing antimicrobial resistance.

The Smt. L. P. Patel Institute of Allied Health Sciences & Technology organized a one-day workshop and hands-on training program titled “Empowering Young Minds on Antimicrobial Resistance” on 21st November 2025 at the Amrita Patel Centre of Public Health and the Microbiology Practical Laboratory, Pramukhswami Medical College. More than 55 undergraduate and postgraduate students and PhD scholars attended this training program.

The event aimed to strengthen participants’ skills in antimicrobial susceptibility testing and promote awareness using the One Health approach. Dr. Sonal Chitroda, I/C Principal,Smt. L. P. Patel Institute of Allied Health Sciences & Technology stressed the importance of laboratory competencies in combating AMR. Chief Guest Dr. Prakash Koringa, Registrar of Kamdhenu University, delivered a keynote address on the One Health concept, highlighting the interconnected roles of humans, animals, and the environment.

Expert lectures followed, including topics on conventional and modern antimicrobial susceptibility testing by Dr. Rupal PatelProfessor, Department of Microbiology, Pramukhswami Medical College,Karamsad  the urgency of collective action in addressing AMR by Dr. Sumeeta Soni, Associate Professor and Nodal Officer AMR officer, B J Medical College, Ahmedabad and diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship practices by Dr. Fenil Munim. Clinical Microbiologist, CEO at Perfect Diagnostics – Surat.

An extensive hands-on training session guided participants through practical exercises on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST). A demonstration of the Vitek Automated System at the Diagnostic Microbiology Laboratory allowed participants to observe advanced diagnostic techniques first-hand.