Sri Lanka's antibiotic crisis deepens as hospital study reveals alarming overuse trends

A study published in BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2026 examined antibiotic use in a major hospital in Northern Sri Lanka. Over five years, researchers tracked patterns of systemic antibiotic consumption, revealing concerning trends in prescription habits. The findings highlight the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings. Between 2021 and 2025, the hospital showed a fluctuating but overall rising use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Carbapenems, a last-resort treatment, saw a particularly sharp increase during this period. Seasonal peaks in antibiotic consumption matched times of higher respiratory infections and hospital admissions.

The study noted potential overprescription, including cases where antibiotics were given for viral infections that do not require them. This practice contributes to resistance and drives up costs, as patients often end up needing stronger, more expensive drugs. The economic impact extends to longer hospital stays and increased healthcare burdens.

Researchers called for stronger measures to address these issues. They recommended setting up antimicrobial stewardship programs in Sri Lankan hospitals to promote responsible antibiotic use. Improved laboratory facilities for faster, more accurate diagnostics were also suggested to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum treatments. The study urges the creation of continuous surveillance systems to monitor antibiotic use and resistance patterns. It also stresses the need for community education to reduce unnecessary prescriptions. These steps aim to curb resistance and ensure antibiotics remain effective for future generations.