Amid a fast-evolving digital world, the Indian judiciary has made a significant stance regarding legibility in the medical profession. The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently ruled that legible handwriting on medical prescriptions is a fundamental right, underscoring its essential role in patient safety.
The ruling is particularly timely considering widespread jokes about doctors' notoriously illegible handwriting, which often leaves pharmacists and even patients puzzled. The court's decision arose from a case involving allegations of rape and forgery, where a medic's incomprehensible report drew concern from Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri, who expressed that the legibility of medical prescriptions cannot be overlooked.
Justice Puri was taken aback by the government's doctor's report, stating it was utterly illegible, which compelled him to take action. He highlighted that in an age where digital tools are readily available, it was unacceptable for prescriptions to remain handwritten and unreadable. The court has directed medical schools to include handwriting training in their curriculum, hoping to revolutionize how prescriptions are written within two years.
As part of the immediate measure, the court has instructed that all prescriptions must henceforth be written in capital letters. Dr. Dilip Bhanushali, president of the Indian Medical Association, acknowledged this challenge but affirmed the commitment of doctors to comply in order to ensure clarity. Notably, he referenced the gaps observed in rural healthcare systems where handwritten prescriptions remain prevalent against growing digitization in urban areas.
This recent order follows other notable instances where Indian courts have addressed the critical need for improved handwriting among physicians, emphasizing the serious consequences that can arise from misinterpretation of prescriptions. Through this ruling, the hope is to amend existing practices to prioritize safety, clarity, and the welfare of patients across India.
