The Orissa High Court has issued a directive to the Chief Secretary of Odisha, demanding that all doctors in the state, including those in government hospitals, medical colleges, and private practice, write prescriptions, Medico-Legal Cases (MLCs), and post-mortem reports in clear, legible handwriting or capital letters. This order aims to address the widespread issue of illegible medical documentation, which has hindered both the judiciary and the public in understanding crucial information.
Court in its order pronounced, Doctors must write prescriptions with clarity, especially regarding medication names, to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation. MLCs and post-mortem reports, essential medico-legal documents, must also be written in clear and legible handwriting preferably in CAPITAL letters. The directive applies to all doctors in the state, including those in government hospitals, medical colleges, and private practice. The court emphasizes that clear handwriting is vital for both the judiciary, who rely on these documents for legal proceedings, and the public, who may need to understand medical information.
The court expressed concerns about the “zig-zag” handwriting style often used by doctors, making it difficult for both the common man and the judiciary to decipher medical documents. Inaccurate prescriptions due to illegible handwriting can lead to medication errors and compromise patient safety.
The Orissa High Court’s directive on legible medical writing is a positive step towards improving healthcare communication and ensuring transparency in both medical and legal matters.
