What is the remedy for doctors' illegible handwriting? High Court expresses grief

Chandigarh: Referring to the doctors' illegible handwriting in medico-legal reports as astounding and appalling in the era of computers, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has sought the assistance of Advocates-General of Punjab and Haryana, along with UT senior standing counsel and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to lay down remedial measures in this regard.

Further, the HC bench comprising Justice Jasgurpreet Singh Puri also appointed Advocate Tanu Bedi as the Amicus Curiae in the matter, Tribune has reported.

Such directions were issued by the HC bench while it was considering a case where the handwriting of the doctor in the medico-legal report was absolutely ineligible and incomprehensible.

Referring to this, the HC bench comprising Justice Puri observed, "It is very surprising and shocking to note that in this era of computers, the notes on the medical history and on the prescriptions by the government doctors are written by hand which cannot be read by anybody except perhaps some doctors. This court has also seen in a number of cases where even the medical prescription is written in such a handwriting which nobody can read except perhaps some chemists."

Also Read: Illegible handwriting of Doctors: Allahabad HC directs for PRINTED medico legal reports

As per the latest media report by The Tribune, a plea was filed in this regard against the State of Haryana through Advocate Aditya Sanghi. However, the court noted that this was not an isolated incident but rather a systemic issue prevalent in the State of Punjab and "probably in UT Chandigarh as well". Accordingly, the Court opined that the Punjab and Chandigarh Govt should also assist the bench in this regard.

Asserting that the right to know about one's medical status was intrinsically linked to the fundamental right of life under Article 21 of the Constitution, the HC bench observed,

"It will not be out of place to even note that the right to know the medical status of a human being can also be considered as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Health and the treatment given to a human being is a part of life and therefore, it may be considered as part of right to life."

The High Court bench also expressed its dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs and called for concrete solutions from the authorities concerned. At this outset, the bench observed, "This court is of the view that to have knowledge about the medical prescription by the doctor and the notes on the medical history is prima facie a right vested in the patient or the attendants to peruse the same and apply their mind, especially in today’s technological world."

However, the bench has also clarified that the remedial and corrective measures regarding illegible writing on medical notes and prescriptions, not only by the government but also private doctors in both the States and UT would be explored.

Also Read: Frustrated over DETECTIVE WORK to understand doctors prescriptions, Odisha HC asks for adherence to MCI guidelines