If you have ever struggled to decipher a doctor’s prescription, you are far from alone. Illegible handwriting on medical prescriptions has long caused confusion among patients, pharmacists and even healthcare professionals, at times leading to serious medical errors. Addressing this persistent issue, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a nationwide directive instructing doctors to ensure that all prescriptions are written in clear and legible handwriting.
The move comes amid rising concerns from courts and health authorities over medication errors linked to unclear prescriptions. Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took a stern stance on the matter, observing that unreadable prescriptions can result in patients being given incorrect medicines or dosages, posing significant risks to their health. In response, the NMC has rolled out fresh guidelines aimed at strengthening accountability and bringing uniformity to prescription practices across the country.
The directive places emphasis on medical education and institutional monitoring, reinforcing the message that clear prescription writing is not merely good practice but an essential component of patient safety.
Medical experts have repeatedly warned that poor handwriting in prescriptions is not a trivial issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified medication errors as a major global patient safety concern, contributing to preventable harm and fatalities worldwide. Illegible prescriptions are widely recognised as a key factor behind such errors, making the NMC’s order a significant step towards safer healthcare delivery in India.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)