Chandigarh, Oct 3: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed doctors to write prescriptions in bold, capital letters until a nationwide digital system is rolled out, stressing that patients have a fundamental right to clear medical instructions.
Fundamental Right to Clarity
The court observed that unreadable prescriptions pose a direct threat to patients’ health and safety. Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri, while hearing a criminal case, said patients must be able to understand their treatment plans as part of their right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Case That Sparked the Order
The issue surfaced during a bail hearing involving allegations of rape, fraud and forgery. While examining a medico-legal report, Justice Puri noted that not a single word in the document was legible. He attached a copy of the report to his order, remarking that the court’s conscience was “shaken” by the state of medical handwriting.
Directions to Government and Doctors
The bench ordered the government to include handwriting training in medical curricula and to implement a digital prescription system within two years. Until then, doctors must write all prescriptions in large, clear capital letters.
Criticism of Old Practices
Justice Puri criticised the persistence of handwritten prescriptions despite the availability of technology, calling it astonishing that government doctors still use practices decipherable only to a handful of pharmacists.
Indian Medical Association Responds
The Indian Medical Association welcomed the directive, saying it was ready to cooperate. IMA President Dr Dilip Bhanushali admitted poor handwriting was common, especially in overcrowded government hospitals, but assured that members would follow the guidelines.
Urban-Rural Divide in Adoption
Dr Bhanushali noted that while urban hospitals have largely adopted digital prescriptions, rural and small-town areas continue to face hurdles. He argued that while doctors attending to a few patients daily could easily comply, those treating dozens might find it challenging.
Previous Concerns
This is not the first time courts have intervened on the issue. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, along with courts in other states, has repeatedly raised concerns in the past, warning doctors to improve their writing style in the interest of patient safety.
