Second AMR evidence session begins
The second evidence session of a government inquiry into antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has begun.
Questions on clinical practice in relation to antimicrobial resistance will be answered by the first panel. Issues discussed will include the education of healthcare professionals, prescribing practices, diagnostics, public awareness and community infections.
Evidence will be given by the second panel on different approaches that could be used to address infection, that may assist with the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This will include bacteriophages, vaccines, alternative medicines and diagnostics.
The UK's chief medical officer, Dame Sally Davies, set out the scale of the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance in a report published in March 2013.
Although the government's five-year antimicrobial resistance strategy 2013 to 2018 sets out actions to tackle the issue, the Science and Technology Committee agreed to hold an inquiry.
Chair of the committee Andrew Miller MP said: "Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most significant threats to public health today. I am pleased that Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer, is taking this seriously. However, we want to find out whether the Government’s current and proposed actions will contribute enough to tackling this serious global threat."
Evidence sessions will be held on January 8, with further sessions expected to be announced in due course.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
