Can’t Read Your Doctor’s Handwriting? National Medical Commission Orders Them to Write Clearly

If you have had problems understanding what the doctor wrote in the prescription, worry no more. The National Medical Commission or NMC has issued a nationwide order to the doctors to ensure prescriptions are written in a clear and legible manner. According to news reports, the decision follows growing concerns that have been raised by courts and health authorities about medication errors caused by unclear prescriptions. Some time back, the Punjab and Haryana High Court took a strict view of the issue, highlighting how unreadable prescriptions lead to the issuing of wrong medicines, incorrect dosages, and avoidable health harm. The court had then emphasised the constitutional implications of clear medical records, noting that a legible medical prescription or document

is an essential component of the right to health under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Acting on these concerns, the NMC has issued fresh instructions to bring greater accountability and standardisation to prescription practices across India.

What does the NMC order say?

Under the new directive, the NMC has ordered that the doctors must:

• Write prescriptions in clear, legible handwriting, avoiding ambiguity.
• Arbitrary or unclear prescription writing will no longer be acceptable, as it compromises patient safety.
• Subcommittees will be formed in all medical colleges to monitor prescription practices and ensure compliance.
• Medical students will be taught the importance of clear prescription writing, making it a core part of clinical training.

Why are clear prescriptions important for patient safety?

Medical experts have long warned that poor handwriting is not a harmless quirk. The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies medication errors as a major global patient safety challenge, contributing to avoidable injuries and deaths worldwide. Illegible prescriptions are a well-recognised cause of such errors.

Prevents misinterpretation

Poor handwriting leads to misinterpretation of the intended drug name, dosage, or instructions. Many drugs have names that look or sound alike, making clarity critical.

Ensures the right dosage

Unclear instructions when it comes to dosing result in giving out doses that are ten or one hundred times the correct amount, leading to toxicity or therapeutic failure.

Empowers patient understanding

When the patients are able to clearly read and understand the prescriptions and medication labels, they are more likely to take their medications correctly, reducing the margin for errors.

Reduces healthcare costs

Medication errors resulting from unclear prescriptions lead to increased hospital admissions, prolonged lengths of stay, and additional costs, placing a significant burden on the patient and the healthcare system.