No more scribbling: Indian court tells doctors to fix their handwriting

In a ruling aimed at improving patient safety, an Indian court has directed doctors to improve their handwriting on medical prescriptions. The court stated that illegible handwriting can have life-threatening consequences, as pharmacists may misinterpret the prescribed medication or dosage. The court's decision comes in response to a public interest lawsuit filed by a medical student, who argued that poor handwriting by doctors leads to medication errors and puts patients at risk. The court acknowledged that this issue has been a longstanding problem in the country's healthcare system. To address this concern, the court has ordered doctors to ensure that their handwriting is legible and clear on all prescriptions. It has also directed the government to develop guidelines and enforce measures to ensure that doctors comply with this directive. The court's ruling is seen as a significant step towards enhancing patient safety and reducing the risk of medical errors in India.