Govt prohibits 34 drugs for animal use citing infection risk to humans

The government has banned the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of 15 antibiotics, 18 antivirals and one antiprotozoal drug for animal use, aiming to check the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India.

- Priyanka Sharma & Dhirendra Kumar

The step was taken on a request from the commerce ministry, according to the minutes of a recent health ministry meeting.

Since the ban is only meant for animal use, the government has asked states and Union Territories to ensure that these drugs are not sold for animal consumption.

AMR in humans can be transferred by consuming milk, meat, eggs and other dairy products from animals treated with these drugs. It occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites develop resistance due to the overuse or wrong use of drugs—a common problem in India.

Mint first reported on this matter on 20 May.