Published Nov 03, 2026 | 12:56 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 03, 2026 | 12:56 PM
Antimicrobial Resistance. (iStock)
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sanctioned ₹76 lakh to the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College in Paderu, Andhra Pradesh, to study antimicrobial resistance (AMR ) to meropenem, a critical antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections.
The research will examine how pathogenic microorganisms are developing resistance to the antibiotic, raising concerns over the effectiveness of treatment for serious bacterial infections.
Announcing the grant on Monday, 2 November, Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr Vishnuvardhan said the funding marks a significant milestone for the newly established medical college in the tribal region.
Meropenem belongs to the carbapenem class of antibiotics and is commonly used to treat severe bacterial infections, particularly when other antibiotics may not be effective. It works by disrupting bacterial cell-wall formation, ultimately killing the bacteria.
However, the emergence of bacteria resistant to carbapenems is a growing public health concern. Such resistance can make infections difficult to treat, leaving doctors with fewer effective antibiotic options.
AMR develops when bacteria and other microorganisms evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to medicines designed to kill them or inhibit their growth.
These mechanisms can include genetic mutations, production of enzymes that destroy antibiotics and changes that prevent drugs from entering bacterial cells.
The growing resistance to critical antibiotics such as meropenem is particularly concerning because the drug is often used to treat serious infections in hospital settings.
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Government Medical College, Paderu, Principal Dr Bujjibabu said the research would help generate scientific data on the nature of antimicrobial resistance and support the development of effective treatment strategies.
He said securing ICMR funding was an important achievement for the new medical college and would strengthen its research activities. The grant would also provide medical students an opportunity to engage in scientific research and encourage them to pursue research-oriented careers.
The funding is expected to strengthen the institution’s microbiology research capabilities, while bringing research opportunities to a medical college located in Andhra Pradesh’s tribal region.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Sumit Jha)
