New Delhi, February 21, 2024: Pfizer and Americares India Foundation (AIF) recognized the achievements of Project Parivartan, an initiative targeting Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in India. The project, implemented in 11 hospitals across 7 states, achieved an average NABH audit score of 90% in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS).
The project aimed to reduce infections and the prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms in small to mid-sized hospitals through infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship activities. A report titled Project Parivartan: Insights and learnings from an evidence-based approach to combat AMR was unveiled to provide guidance to similar institutions across the country. The report will be published in leading scientific journals.
The initiative resulted in a 30% decrease in hospital-acquired infections and a 24.2% reduction in multidrug-resistant organisms across participating hospitals. Healthcare workers in AMS and IPC also demonstrated significant knowledge gains, with post-intervention assessments showing an average increase of 95% in antimicrobial stewardship and 88% in infection prevention and control. Additionally, hospitals achieved an average compliance rate of 85% in critical areas such as hand hygiene and antibiotic policy.
The project outcomes and report were unveiled at an event titled 'Uniting Against Antimicrobial Resistance', featuring speakers such as Dr. Narendra Saini, Chairman IMA AMR Standing Committee, and Dr. Sanjeev Singh, Medical Director at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad. Discussions centered on sustainable strategies in the fight against AMR, emphasizing the importance of broader awareness and collaboration for a resilient future.
Meenakshi Nevatia, Managing Director, Pfizer India, stated, "Project Parivartan stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to tackling our country’s primary health crises in partnership with our hospitals and our healthcare professionals. Through our years of collaboration with Americares India Foundation, we have driven real change in combating AMR and elevating healthcare standards across our country’s health ecosystem. With the 11 hospitals that have transformed themselves, we have taken the first few steps. We hope this report will inspire hospitals across the country to take the necessary steps to tackle the challenge of AMR.”
Shripad Desai, Deputy Senior Vice President, Country Team Liaison, said, "Project Parivartan's success marks a significant milestone in our fight against Antimicrobial Resistance. Through collaboration with Pfizer, we've achieved tangible results, emphasizing the importance of collective action in healthcare. We extend our gratitude to all contributors and stress the need for ongoing collaboration to address global health challenges effectively."
Pfizer and Americares India Foundation urged sustained collaboration among clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and corporate entities to continue the fight against AMR.
