Impetus to Antimicrobial Stewardship Among Private Hospitals: Examining Gaps, Challenges, and Opportunities vis-à-vis Accreditation Standards

Abstract

This mixed-method study assesses the readiness of private-hospital microbiology laboratories for Research Institute for Tropical Medicine Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program accreditation. Adapted assessment tools, interviews, and observation revealed that only one laboratory was ready for accreditation; the others showed weaknesses in quality management and capacity building. The findings point to the need for stronger laboratory systems to support antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, and control of antimicrobial resistance.