Orchid Pharma to invest Rs 1 crore to develop diagnostic tool and ID-ST culture solution

Organise a conference on AMR awareness with CAHO

Chennai-based Orchid Pharma announced a seed capital investment of Rs 1 crore, each, towards the development of two pioneering technologies. The first is a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tool aimed at outpatient general practitioners, offering, at the very least, a rapid 'Yes/No' assessment of bacterial infections to guide immediate treatment decisions. The second initiative is an ID-ST culture solution, designed to significantly reduce the time required for empiric treatment decisions in ICU settings, thereby improving patient outcomes while curbing unnecessary antibiotic use.

Orchid Pharma and the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) co-hosted the National Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), themed 'Jyot se Jyot – Awareness to Action.' The event coincided with World AMR Awareness Week and unveiled innovative solutions to tackle AMR while strengthening hospital capacities nationwide.

The partnership between Orchid Pharma and CAHO aims to tackle the menace of AMR in India by equipping healthcare providers with tools, insights, and training to promote antimicrobial stewardship. Focusing on tier II and tier III cities, the collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring sustainable AMR interventions.

CAHO and Orchid will also conduct the first-ever nationwide Prescription Audit to identify deviations from prescription guidelines and their causes. Additionally, the initiative will strengthen hospital capacities in tier I and tier II cities by enhancing AMS programmes with digital bedside support, sharing best practices with tier II hospitals, and educating patients and their attendants on AMR.

Apart from the strategic partnership with CAHO, Orchid Pharma also pledged to dedicate 1 per cent of its sales of ORBLICEF - its patented molecule, Cefepime-Enmetazobactam, toward AMR-related initiatives, supporting research, awareness, and capacity-building efforts across India.

Rajnish Rohatgi, CEO, Orchid AMS, said, “We recognise that AMR cannot be reduced without working to reduce the irrational, avoidable part of the total antimicrobial consumption. Through our partnership with CAHO and the decision to set up a fund for AMR, we are taking firm steps that are a testament to our strong resolve to address the mammoth challenge of AMR. By empowering hospitals and clinicians with tools and actionable insights, we strive to enable more informed and precise treatment decisions contributing to a stronger, more resilient healthcare ecosystem. We have taken the first step and now look forward to working with the entire healthcare ecosystem to make this a success.”

Vijay Agarwal, President, CAHO, said, “This collaboration underscores CAHO’s commitment to capacity building and stewardship across all levels of healthcare. By joining forces with Orchid Pharma, we are paving the way for responsible antibiotic use, bridging systemic gaps, and democratising access to advanced healthcare technologies. Our mission is to empower every healthcare professional—whether in metropolitan centres or small towns—with the tools and knowledge to uphold high standards in antibiotic stewardship.”

Dr VK Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog said, “Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health challenge, claiming approximately 2.9 lakh lives annually in India. The upcoming National Action Plan 2.0 represents a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative involving 14 Union ministries to tackle this crisis. Prioritising awareness, enhanced laboratory capabilities, prevention, rational antibiotic use, research, and partnerships, the plan sets ambitious goals, including a 10 per cent reduction in mortality from AMR, 20 per cent reduction in inappropriate human antibiotic use, and 30 per cent reduction in inappropriate animal antibiotic usage by 2030. This coordinated effort highlights the critical need for immediate action to build sustainable healthcare systems and secure better health outcomes for future generations.”

Keynote addresses were delivered by renowned names such as Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman and Senior Consultant, Narayana Group of Hospitals and Dr Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, MD and CEO, Fortis Healthcare. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Health, ICMR, CDSCO, WHO, and leading hospitals across India.