New Directive from DGHS
The Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Haryana, has issued a state-wide directive mandating that all medical practitioners write diagnosis and prescriptions in capital or bold letters. The order covers government and private hospitals, clinics, and health centres.
Rooted in Court Judgment
This decision follows a landmark ruling by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which declared that legible prescriptions are part of a patient’s Fundamental Right to Health under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Trigger Incident
The court issued the directive after an alarming incident where it was unable to read a medico-legal report in a rape case because of the doctors’ illegible handwriting. The bench noted that such lapses can lead to serious consequences like medication errors, wrong dosages, or even death.
Swift Action by Health Department
Acting on the court’s observation, the Haryana Health Department has made it compulsory for doctors to use capital or bold letters. To enforce this, pharmacies have been instructed to reject unclear prescriptions that do not meet the new standard.
Step Towards Safer Healthcare
Experts point out that illegible handwriting is a leading cause of preventable harm to patients worldwide. The new policy is expected to enhance clarity, transparency, and patient safety, while also aligning with modern documentation practices.
Future Plans: Digital Transition
To further improve medical record-keeping, the government plans to organise training workshops for doctors and pharmacists and is exploring e-prescriptions. A pilot project has already begun in select districts, with the aim of eventually digitising prescription systems across the state.
