Sri Lanka's hospitals face rising antibiotic resistance crisis, study warns

A study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2026 has examined antibiotic use in a tertiary care hospital in Northern Sri Lanka. The research tracked systemic antibiotic consumption over five years, revealing concerning trends. It also calls for urgent action to address rising resistance and inappropriate use. The study found a fluctuating but overall increasing trend in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics within the hospital. Carbapenems, often reserved as last-resort treatments, saw a particularly sharp rise during the period. Seasonal spikes in antibiotic use were also noted, aligning with higher rates of respiratory infections and hospital admissions.

The authors highlight the economic impact of antibiotic resistance, including longer hospital stays and greater reliance on higher-generation drugs. They stress the need for robust antimicrobial stewardship programs in Sri Lankan tertiary institutions and similar settings. The study further recommends investing in laboratory infrastructure to enable rapid, accurate diagnostics and reduce unnecessary broad-spectrum use.

The research urges global surveillance of antibiotic consumption, especially in regions at high risk of antimicrobial resistance. It also advocates for continuous monitoring systems that track both antibiotic use and resistance patterns to identify emerging threats early. Outreach programs to educate patients and caregivers about the dangers of inappropriate antibiotic use are also emphasised. The findings underscore the need for stronger antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance in healthcare settings. The study’s recommendations include improved diagnostics, education, and global cooperation to curb resistance. These measures aim to reduce the economic and health burdens linked to rising antibiotic resistance.