The Dr NTRUHS Zonal CME 2025 on “Combating Superbugs – The Way Forward” was organized by the Department of Microbiology, Narayana Medical College, Nellore, on 15 November 2025. The programme brought together faculties and postgraduates from multiple specialties to strengthen clinical understanding and preparedness against the rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The event commenced with registration followed by the Inaugural Session, graced by dignitaries Dr. Abhijit Chowdhuri(Professor of Microbiology, SVIMS Tirupati), Dr. P. Sreenivasulu Reddy (Dean, Narayana Medical College), Dr. P. Vasundhara Devi (HOD, Microbiology, Narayana Medical College), and Dr. Asha Latha (Observer, HOD Anotomy, Narayana Medical College), along with Dr. C. Jyothi(HOD, Community Medicine, Narayana Medical College). They collectively emphasized the growing importance of surveillance, stewardship, and interdisciplinary collaboration in combating superbugs.

The academic sessions began with an insightful lecture on Parasitic Drug Resistance delivered by Dr. Abhijit Chowdhuri, who highlighted emerging parasitic resistance trends and the relevance of the One Health approach. This was followed by an impactful session on Diagnostic Stewardship to Combat AMR, presented by Dr. P. Sreenivasulu Reddy. His talk focused on the critical role of accurate diagnostics, appropriate sample collection, rapid reporting, and laboratory–clinician coordination to minimize misuse of antimicrobials.

The next session featured Dr. P. Vasundhara Devi, who delivered a comprehensive Overview of Fungal Drug Resistance, addressing challenges associated with azole-resistant Aspergillus, Candida auris, and resistant dermatophytes. Her lecture highlighted diagnostic pitfalls, therapeutic limitations, and the rising importance of antifungal stewardship.

After lunch, Dr. C. Jyothi, Professor & HOD, Community Medicine, delivered a practical and informative talk on Outbreak Investigation and Hospital-Based Outbreak Management, offering structured approaches for detecting outbreaks. This was followed by an enthusiastic Postgraduate Quiz coordinated by Dr. Lavanya V, Associate Professor of Microbiology, Narayana Medical College, which encouraged active participation and academic engagement.

The CME culminated in an engaging Panel Discussion on “Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Together,” moderated by Dr. C. S. Premnath, Assistant Professor, Microbiology , Narayana Medical College. The panel featured Dr. Abhijit Chowdhuri, Dr. Mahidhar Reddy (HOD, General Surgery, Narayana Medical College), and Dr. Madhurima (Consultant Microbiologist, Apollo Hospitals), who shared multidimensional perspectives on bacterial, fungal, and parasitic resistance, stewardship challenges, SSI prevention, and hospital-level AMR control strategies.

The event concluded with valediction and high tea. The CME was widely appreciated as a scientifically enriching and clinically impactful programme, reinforcing the essential role of diagnostics, stewardship, infection prevention, and multidisciplinary teamwork in combating the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance.