JAMMU, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Council Institution (J&KPCI) College Association on Thursday organised a press conference at the Press Club Jammu under the chairmanship of its president, Sushil Sudan, to announce a state-level awareness programme on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and responsible medicine use.
The initiative is being organised under the aegis of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), New Delhi, in association with the J&KPCI College Association, as part of the observance of World Pharmacists Day and National Pharmacy Week. The theme is “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future – Swasth Bharat,” with a special focus on combating antimicrobial resistance caused by the inappropriate and excessive use of medicines.
Addressing the press conference, the organisers announced that a state-level programme would be held on October 25, 2026, at SVNS College of Pharmacy, Sunderbani. The event aims to educate the public about antimicrobial resistance and promote the responsible use of medicines.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites develop the ability to survive medicines that were previously effective against them. The growing threat poses a significant challenge to healthcare professionals, increases treatment complications and can raise healthcare costs. The organisers stressed the need for public awareness, responsible prescribing and appropriate use of antimicrobial medicines.
They also referred to the Government of India’s efforts to address the issue through the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2025–2029, highlighting the importance of coordinated action by healthcare professionals, educational institutions and the public.
To engage students and the wider community, the Pharmacy Council of India has allocated six awareness activities to participating pharmacy colleges: street plays (Nukkad Natak), reel-making, poster presentations, scitons, leaflet-making and a pharma quiz. These activities are intended to communicate the dangers of antimicrobial resistance and drug abuse through creative and educational platforms.
The association also expressed gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Government for granting examination authority to the State Pharmacy Council under Section 12(2) of the Pharmacy Act, 1948. According to the organisers, the move would help promote pharmacy education among students in Jammu and Kashmir. They also urged the authorities to remove the domicile restriction for fresh admissions to pharmacy colleges in the Union Territory.
The organisers appealed to hospital pharmacists, industrial pharmacists, drug officers, academicians and other stakeholders to participate in the programme and contribute to the campaign against antimicrobial resistance. A rally will also be organised to spread awareness about AMR and drug abuse.
The organisers further stated that Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and associated with the Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and Dr. Montu Kumar M. Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India, had consented to attend the programme.
Those present at the press conference included Sh. Gourab Raina, Sh. Sidharth Vijay Mahajan, Mohd. Iqbal Malik, Sh. Rajeshwer Verma, Dr. Nitin Mahajan, Rehman Malik, Smt. Akansha and Sh. Shivam Malhotra.
The initiative seeks to strengthen the role of pharmacists in public health, promote the rational use of medicines and encourage collective efforts towards a healthier and safer society.