NMC Mandates Clear Prescription Practices in Medical Colleges

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to create sub-committees to oversee prescription practices, emphasizing clear and legible handwriting. This follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court order mandating inclusion of this focus in medical curriculums to uphold professional standards and ensure patient rights.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a directive for all medical colleges across India to establish sub-committees dedicated to monitoring prescription practices. This initiative aims to instill the importance of legible and clear handwriting among medical professionals, enhancing compliance with statutory and ethical standards.

The December 15 communication to various health departments and medical institutions follows a Punjab and Haryana High Court order from August 27. It underscores the necessity of incorporating clear prescription writing into the curriculum of medical colleges as an essential aspect of the Right to Health under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Medical colleges are mandated to act immediately, setting up sub-committees under the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee to appraise prescription patterns regularly. These measures are intended to uphold the standards outlined in the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and other relevant regulations by promoting rational drug prescription practices.

(With inputs from agencies.)