Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai today inaugurated the ‘Centre of Excellence for Antimicrobial Resistance in One Health’ at Veterinary Faculty Shuhama, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in animals and humans. The Centre, established with initial funding of 25 Crores from the Department of Science & Technology, GoI, marks a crucial step in addressing the growing concern of AMR and its potential One Health implications. The inauguration, attended by a distinguished gathering of scientists from various institutions, highlighted the collaborative effort required to advance Jammu and Kashmir as a developed and progressive region.

 Notable attendees included high-profile officers from SKUAST-Kashmir, alongside scientists from esteemed institutions like SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina, Government Medical College Srinagar, University of Kashmir, IUST Awantipora, Central University of Kashmir, and IIIM Srinagar. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to addressing AMR through shared resources, knowledge, and expertise.

 At the outset, Prof Riaz A Shah, Head Mountain Livestock Research Institute SKUAST-K welcomed the dignitaries. Coordinator of the Centre of Excellence and Head Division of Animal Biotechnology Prof MudasirAndrabi highlighted the research achievements of the Animal Biotechnology and enlightened the audience about the broader aim of the centre that includes enhancing surveillance on drug resistance using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, development of rapid diagnostic kits, exploring alternative drug regimens, raising public awareness and advocacy about the imminent threat.  The centre will offer services like testing of animal, plant origin foods for AMR, antibiogram analysis in human healthcare and environmental settings. Additionally the centre will focus on development of a competent workforce to deal with future health threats through education and outreach programs. The Centre will work in collaboration with reputed national institutions like IIT Kanpur, SKIMS and IMTECH.

 In his address, the Chief Guest of the occasion Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to propel J&K UT towards development. He lauded the establishment of the Centre as a significant milestone, positioning SKUAST-K as a pioneering institution in AMR research. Prof Ganai also urged medical scientists to develop a roadmap akin to the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) for transforming the health sector in the region. He commended Prof MudasirAndrabi and the team for their leadership in establishing the Centre, predicting its substantial contribution to One Health. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Prof M Altaf Bhat, expressing gratitude to all participants for their enthusiastic engagement.