NMC directs medical colleges to set up prescription monitoring committees, include legible prescribing importance in curriculum

As per the directive issued by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC), such subcommittees shall-

a. Develop a structured plan for systematic appraisal of prescriptions to assess compliance with applicable Regulations and guidelines.

b. Review and analyze prescription patterns, identify deviations, and recommend corrective measures for improving adherence.

c. Ensure that the findings of each appraisal are recorded in the minutes of the DTC meetings.

d. Make such records available to the National Medical Commission whenever called for.

e. Ensure timely implementation of all recommended measures to enhance compliance of the Court order.

The PG Board of NMC has further directed that "Every physician should prescribe drugs with generic names legibly and preferably in capital letters, and he/she shall ensure rational prescription and use of drugs."

Urging that the compliance with these directions is mandatory, NMC has instructed all institutes to immediately set up Sub-Committees and operationalize the prescribed monitoring mechanisms without delay.

The PG Board of NMC on 11.12.2025 wrote to the Principal Secretaries of the State/UT Health Departments, Director of Directorate of Medical Education & Training of all States/UTs, and the Directors/Principals/Deans of all medical institutes regarding the establishment of Sub-Committee under DTC for Monitoring of Prescription Practices and Inclusion of “Importance of Legible and Clear Handwriting in Medical Prescriptions” in the curriculum.

Referring to the Punjab and Haryana High Court order dated 27.08.2025 in the matter of Yogesh vs. State of Haryana, the notice mentioned that NMC is required to ensure the inclusion and reinforcement of the importance of legible and clear handwriting in medical prescriptions in the curriculum of all medical colleges/institutions in India.

"The Hon’ble Court has observed that a legible medical prescription/document is an essential component of the Right to Health under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. The Court has further referred to the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, and the MCI Notification dated 21.09.2016, all of which mandate that every medical practitioner must write prescriptions legibly and preferably in capital letters. Reference has also been made to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and corresponding Rules on electronic health records, emphasizing the need for legibility and clarity in medical documentation," the PG Board of NMC mentioned.

"The National Medical Commission has observed the need for strengthened and structured monitoring of prescription practices across all medical colleges in accordance with the Regulations currently in force. Therefore, every medical college shall establish a dedicated Sub-Committee, under the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC), for monitoring prescriptions and ensuring compliance with the statutory, regulatory, and ethical standards," it added.

Referring to the PG Board's notice, NMC Secretary Raghav Langer wrote to the Principal/Dean of all medical colleges regarding the establishment of Sub-Committees under the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC) in this regard.

"Please find enclosed herewith Public Notice no. N-P016 (11)2/2023-PGMEBNMC dated 11-12-2025 issued by the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) of National Medical Commission (NMC) on the above-mentioned subject for necessary compliance by all medical colleges/institutions in India. All institutions are therefore inter-alia instructed to constitute the SubCommittee under the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee (DTC), for monitoring prescriptions and ensuring compliance with the statutory, regulatory, and ethical standards," it mentioned.

Back in 2023, releasing the National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner RMP (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, the Apex Medical Commission had specified the guidelines, laying down the various Dos and Don'ts for writing prescriptions. Back then, the Commission had laid stress on generic prescriptions by doctors only, making violation of the same a punishable offence where punishment can lead to suspension of the licence for up to 30 days.

To view the notice, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/nmc-establishment-of-sub-committee-under-the-drugs-and-therapeutics-committee-dtc-for-monitoring-of-prescription-practices-and-inclusion-of-1-314793.pdf

Also Read: Doctor Prescriptions Must Be Generic: Health Minister tells Parliament