Antibiotic Smart Kerala: Quality Certification Guidelines for Hospitals and Local Bodies

Kerala is stepping up efforts to combat the silent epidemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a condition in which medicines lose their ability to kill germs due to the excessive and unscientific use of antibiotics. As part of this initiative, the Health and Family Welfare Department has released a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at making hospitals and local self-government institutions in the state antibiotic-smart. By introducing the concept of an “Antibiotic Literate Panchayat” for the first time in the world, Kerala is setting a global model in this field.

The mission seeks to make Kerala an antibiotic-literate state by coordinating the efforts of the public, local bodies, and health workers through a One Health approach. Specific criteria have been formulated to evaluate the performance of hospitals, and quality certification will be awarded to institutions that meet the prescribed standards.

Under the initiative, Antibiotic Literate Local Self-Government Institutions such as panchayats and municipalities that demonstrate best practices by creating public awareness and enforcing necessary restrictions, will be recognised. The guidelines also ensure that the majority of antibiotics prescribed by doctors fall under the ‘Access’ category recommended by the World Health Organization.

An attractive colour-coding system has been introduced to help the public easily identify the performance of hospitals. Institutions meeting the highest standards will be marked in light blue, while other grades such as dark blue, green, yellow, and pink will be assigned based on performance levels. All government hospitals are expected to come under this system within three months.

Implementation of the scheme will help avoid the unnecessary administration of antibiotics, thereby reducing side effects and preventing the development of drug resistance in serious illnesses. Through colour coding, patients will also be able to easily identify hospitals that provide the best services.

By regulating the sale of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription, the misuse of medicines can be effectively controlled. This initiative, which integrates modern treatment protocols with active public participation, represents a significant step by Kerala to ensure the availability of effective medicines for future generations.

Government Order: https://health.kerala.gov.in/assets/backend/uploads/alert/document_2_6965e9294c470.pdf