Indian Court: Doctors Must Write Legible Prescriptions

Saralnama

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that legible medical prescriptions are a fundamental right. Justice Puri found a doctor's handwriting incomprehensible in a medico-legal report. The court ordered doctors to write prescriptions in capital letters and set a two-year timeline for digital prescriptions. Dr Bhanushali of the Indian Medical Association said they're willing to help, but it's challenging for doctors seeing many patients daily. Past court rulings have also criticised doctors' handwriting. Poorly written prescriptions can lead to serious medical errors. Pharmacists report receiving illegible prescriptions, especially in rural areas. To read a doctor's handwriting, ask them to clarify any unclear words. (Updated 1 Oct 2025, 08:16 IST; source: link)

Key Points

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that legible medical prescriptions are a fundamental right
• Justice Puri found a doctor's handwriting incomprehensible in a medico-legal report
• The court ordered doctors to write prescriptions in capital letters and set a two-year timeline for digital prescriptions