Also have to prescribe drugs with generic names

The wait is finally over. Chemists and patients can now bid adieu to physicians’ illegible handwriting and the hazard of misinterpretation.

Doctors have now been asked to write prescription in capital letters and also put down the generic names of the drugs prescribed.

“The Union Health Ministry is bringing in a gazette notification to the effect soon after which the rule will be applicable across the country,’’ Indian Medical Association’s Dr. K.K. Aggarwal told The Hindu here on Wednesday.

Doctors have welcomed the move saying that though it may mean ‘a little extra work’, but it’s worth the effort if it helps patients. “The move is in the best interest of the patients, but in an environment where any doctor at any given time is flooded with patients, this system may take a little time to get used to. We have already started using the generic names of drugs and this we feel has contributed to reducing the total bill of patients since it allows them to buy drugs that are more economical,” said Dr. Anil Bansal of the Delhi Medical Association.

Meanwhile, the Centre had amended rules in the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, directing physicians to prescribe drugs with generic names in legible and capital letters.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda had in the Lok Sabha earlier agreed with concerns of some parliamentarians that illegible prescription by doctors may lead to serious implications and even death in certain cases. The Minister had assured them that corrective measures were being brought about.

Mr. Nadda had informed the House that his ministry had approved the amendment to the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, providing therein that every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names in legible and capital letters and they should ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs.

“The doctors across the country will be educated about the latest change to ensure that it is effectively implemented and that patients are benefitted in the long run,’’ said Dr. Aggarwal.

The Union Health Ministry is bringing in a gazette notification to the effect very soon.