Sri Lanka faces looming disaster with high antibiotic consumption – Minister
Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced plans to streamline the process of drug importation and prescription by implementing scientifically required laws, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and educating the public to combat antibiotic resistance in Sri Lanka.
He emphasised that this issue is critical, given the country’s high rate of antibiotic use.
The Minister made these remarks during a public awareness march held as part of World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week. The march, themed “Let’s All Unite – Let’s Save Antibiotics”, began at Independence Square in Colombo and concluded at the Health Ministry.
Health authorities have raised alarms over the uncontrolled use of antimicrobial drugs, which could lead to resistance, reduce drug efficacy and result in epidemics and biosphere destruction. The march aimed to raise awareness of these dangers, as controlling antibiotic resistance remains a global priority for the World Health Organization (WHO).
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Dr.Jayatissa described antibiotic resistance as both a national and international crisis, ranking among the top 10 global health challenges. He cited data showing that around 2,300 deaths in Sri Lanka were attributed to antibiotic resistance in 2019. He warned that, as a country with high antibiotic consumption, Sri Lanka faces a looming disaster if urgent measures are not taken.
The Minister also pointed out that the overuse and misuse of antibiotics is not only a health issue but also an economic burden. The country spends significant foreign currency on importing unnecessary medications, which places a strain on the national treasury. He emphasised that ensuring the effective use of medicines is crucial to prevent economic repercussions and ensure public health benefits.
The march was organized by the National Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, led by the Deputy Director General (Laboratory Services) of the Health Ministry with the support of the Health, Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministries and the Institute of Microbiologists and the WHO.
The event was attended by the Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr.Anil Jasinghe, Health Services Director General Dr.Asela Gunawardena; representatives from the Environment, Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Ministries and the Institute of Microbiologists and a group of specialist doctors, health administrators and professionals.
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