Doctors' handwriting: A prescription for disaster?

Medical colleges in Maharashtra are now required to teach the importance of legible handwriting in prescriptions, following a February 20 directive. This initiative aims to combat medication errors stemming from unclear medical notes, a concern highlighted by the Punjab and Haryana High Court as a patient's fundamental right. Despite existing regulations from 2002 mandating clear, legible prescriptions, implementation has been weak.

Experts suggest promoting printed or digital prescriptions and introducing penalties to ensure compliance. While institutions like B J Medical College are integrating this into their curriculum and adopting digital systems, such as the 'Next Gen e-Hospital' system, their reach is primarily urban. Challenges remain in extending these modern solutions to rural and suburban areas where many practitioners work.

The issue of illegible prescriptions has led to serious incidents, such as a patient receiving a contraceptive drug instead of the intended medicine due to a chemist's misinterpretation of a handwritten script. Currently, only a small percentage of doctors use printed prescriptions, with many still relying on handwriting that can be difficult for pharmacists to decipher. The Indian Medical Association supports clear prescriptions but not mandatory generic prescribing. While software solutions and digital prescriptions are increasingly adopted by younger doctors, practical implementation in smaller clinics and remote areas continues to be a significant hurdle.