To address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Kerala government has introduced an accreditation system to certify health-care institutions and local bodies as “Antibiotic-Smart” and “Antibiotic-Literate”.
Under the Antibiotic Literate Kerala initiative, hospitals and local self-governments will be assessed using defined performance indicators to award certifications such as Antibiotic Smart Hospitals (ASH), Antimicrobial Stewardship Compliant Hospitals and Antibiotic-Literate Panchayats. Detailed operational guidelines for primary, secondary and tertiary care institutions, as well as panchayats, have been issued through a government order.
Antibiotic Smart Hospitals are required to follow antimicrobial and diagnostic stewardship practices, adhere to infection prevention and control norms, and carry out regular awareness and prescription audit activities. Certification criteria differ by level of care, with clear targets for rational antibiotic use based on the AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification.
Panchayats promoting AMR awareness and ensuring strict control over antibiotic misuse including zero over-the-counter sale of antibiotics for human use can earn the Antibiotic-Literate tag, helping take AMR prevention to the grassroots.
The guidelines also mandate infection control and antimicrobial stewardship committees in higher-level hospitals, mapping of AMR hotspots, and colour coding of all hospitals across the State. Public awareness campaigns are being rolled out under the slogan “My Kerala, Antibiotic Smart Kerala.”
