Sri Lanka's hospitals face rising antibiotic resistance and misuse crisis

A study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2026 examined antibiotic use in a major hospital in Northern Sri Lanka. It tracked systemic antibiotic consumption patterns over five years, from 2021 to 2025. The findings reveal concerning trends in the use of these critical drugs. The research showed a fluctuating but overall rising trend in broad-spectrum antibiotic use during the study period. Seasonal peaks in consumption matched increases in respiratory infections and hospital admissions. Notably, the use of carbapenems—antibiotics reserved as a last resort—rose sharply over the years.

The study also addressed the economic impact of antibiotic resistance. It linked the issue to higher costs from prolonged hospital stays and greater reliance on advanced antibiotics. Researchers pointed to challenges like limited diagnostic tools, weak stewardship programs, and gaps in data collection, particularly in low-resource settings.

To tackle these problems, the authors called for investment in better laboratory facilities to speed up accurate diagnostics. They also stressed the need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship programs in Sri Lankan hospitals and similar environments. Additional recommendations included ongoing surveillance systems to monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns, as well as community education efforts to curb misuse. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing rising antibiotic resistance in healthcare systems. Improved diagnostics, surveillance, and public awareness are key to reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. These measures aim to slow resistance and protect the effectiveness of existing treatments.