Pharmacy students urged to step up fight against antimicrobial resistance

Pharmacists can help curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by promoting rational use of medicines, patient awareness and stewardship, speakers said at a GITAM School of Pharmacy programme here on Thursday

The programme, held as part of World Pharmacist Day and National Pharmacy Week 2026 under the AMR Awareness Mission, brought together students, research scholars, faculty members and healthcare professionals.

Tackling AMR requires coordinated efforts by healthcare professionals and the community, said Prof. L. Srinivas, Principal of the GITAM School of Pharmacy. Stressing the role of pharmacovigilance in patient safety, he also called for rational use of medicines, better sanitation and hygiene, and wider public awareness.

Speaking on community health, Dr. G. Prasad, Head of the Department of Nephrology, Andhra Medical College, drew attention to the burden of chronic kidney disease, particularly Uddanam Nephropathy. He called for early detection, preventive healthcare and greater public awareness, as well as closer collaboration among different healthcare disciplines.

Dr. M. Krishnaji Rao, General Manager, R&D, Divi’s Laboratories Ltd., said technological advances were reshaping pharmaceutical research and development. In a session on the future of pharmacy, he highlighted areas such as artificial intelligence-assisted drug discovery, computational chemistry, machine learning, digital laboratories, process automation, continuous manufacturing and personalised medicine.

He urged pharmacy students to develop interdisciplinary skills and keep pace with emerging technologies while maintaining scientific and ethical standards.

The programme also featured academic competitions for students, focusing on pharmaceutical innovation and research-based approaches to contemporary healthcare challenges.