ICMR sanctions Rs 76 lakh to Paderu college for meropenem resistance study

The Indian Council of Medical Research has sanctioned Rs 76 lakh to the microbiology department of Government Medical College, Paderu, in Andhra Pradesh, to study antimicrobial resistance to meropenem. Director of Medical Education Dr Vishnuvardhan announced the grant on Monday, 2 November, calling the funding a notable step for the newly established college in the tribal region. The study is expected to deepen understanding of meropenem resistance.

Meropenem is a critical antibiotic for severe bacterial infections, and the reporting notes that resistance to it matters most because the drug is often used for serious infections in hospital wards. Principal Dr Bujjibabu said the work should produce scientific data on the nature of resistance and support effective treatment strategies. The grant is also expected to strengthen the college's research activity and give medical students a route into research-oriented careers.