Table S1. Future actions generated by framework analysis for National Action Plan in China for Governance Area 1: policy design.
Indicator | Result summary | Future actions |
Abbreviation: MARA= Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; NHC= National Health Commission. | ||
Strategic vision | The strategic vision does not include specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives, which are recommended to be delineated in the ensuing plan. | Make policy and plan consistent with the foreseeability of the global effect |
Accountability & coordination | In 2017, MOA introduced a National Action Plan (NAP) with an objective to develop innovative veterinary drugs characterized by low toxicity and minimal residues while simultaneously phasing out high-risk pharmaceuticals. Pursuant to Document No. 194, the production and utilization of feeds containing growth-promoting additives have been prohibited since 2020. A series of guidelines have been established for the development of the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on non-inferior clinical trials for antibiotic drugs, technical requirements for microbiological laboratories involved in clinical trials of antibiotic and anti-TB drugs. |
A well-organized coordination and accountability system was absent in the previous NAP, necessitating its implementation in future activities. The updated NAP has recently allocated tasks to specific departments, with the goal of establishing an effective interdepartmental collaboration mechanism. |
Participation | The NHC mandated that retail pharmacies, retail companies, and Internet hospitals collaborate in managing antibiotic drug sales under the Measures for Supervision and Administration of Drug Circulation. Unlawful sales of antibacterial medications are subject to penalties, with ongoing policies focused on monitoring antibiotic use and requiring prescriptions for antibiotic sales. | The NAP should focus on promoting public involvement in AMR control efforts. Enhancing public awareness of AMR and emphasizing the importance of combating it through educational initiatives is crucial. |
Transparency | MOA built a database based on the surveillance of veterinary drug residues and resistance status of five main bacteria to sixteen veterinary medicines in animal farms housing pigs, poultry, and dairy cows. | The updating process for NAP should be conducted regularly during each specified period, rather than merely providing summary documents in the final stage. It is essential to establish a comprehensive framework and database for AMR in both human and environmental contexts. |
Equity | In accordance with the reformation requirements, pharmacists play an essential role in pharmacy settings and are obligated to inform and deliver expert medical advice to customers based on their individual needs. | AMR policy should be more considerate of the real situation in China. |