Health News: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a special directive stating that doctors must write prescriptions in clear handwriting so that they are legible to everyone.

NMC Guidelines on Doctor's Handwriting: We've all been there – paying to see a doctor, only to struggle to decipher the prescription. There are even many jokes about doctors' handwriting. In this context, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a special directive. It states that doctors must write prescriptions in clear handwriting so that they are legible to everyone.

Why did the NMC take this decision?

Not only ordinary people, but in some cases, even doctors, pharmacists, and other medical professionals struggle to understand prescriptions. Illegible prescriptions can lead to serious problems. Courts and health authorities have also expressed concern about this. Therefore, keeping in mind the health and safety of the general public, the National Medical Commission has issued these guidelines for doctors.

High Court takes the matter seriously

Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court also made strong observations on this matter. The court expressed concern, stating that if a prescription is illegible, the patient might take the wrong medication, the dosage could be incorrect, and this could lead to serious harm. The court stated that legible prescriptions fall under the right to health guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution.

Following this, the National Medical Commission issued new guidelines reminding doctors of their responsibilities when writing prescriptions. The National Medical Commission has clearly outlined what should be done when writing prescriptions. It states:

• There should be no ambiguity in the prescription. The prescription must be written in clear and legible handwriting.


• Arbitrary, illegible prescriptions will not be accepted, as this compromises patient safety. Subcommittees should be formed in medical colleges to monitor the prescription writing process and ensure that regulations are being followed.


• Medical students should be clearly taught the importance of writing prescriptions correctly. This should be included as a core part of their clinical training.


• Careless prescription writing poses a serious risk.


• Experts have long argued that careless prescription writing can pose a serious risk. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also consistently advocated for this. In its guidelines on patient safety, the WHO stated that illegible prescriptions increase the risk of patients receiving the wrong medication or the wrong dosage.


• According to data from the National Institutes of Health, many incidents have occurred due to prescription-related errors. They have warned that critically ill and elderly people at home are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, the National Medical Commission's guidelines are expected to benefit patients.