Posted By :  Admin1

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the illegible handwriting of medical professionals, emphasizing that such poor penmanship can hinder the judicial process. The court highlighted that unreadable medical reports and prescriptions pose significant challenges in legal proceedings, where clarity is essential.

This concern is not isolated. In January 2024, the Orissa High Court mandated that doctors write prescriptions and post-mortem reports in clear handwriting or capital letters. The court noted that scribbled medical documents often impede the judicial system's ability to interpret crucial information accurately. 

Similarly, in July 2020, the Himachal Pradesh High Court faced challenges deciphering medico-legal reports due to poor handwriting. The court directed the state's health services to instruct doctors to ensure their medical records are legible, emphasizing the importance of clear documentation in legal contexts.

The issue of illegible handwriting among medical professionals has been a longstanding concern. In October 2018, the Allahabad High Court imposed fines on doctors for submitting unreadable injury reports, considering it an obstruction to court proceedings. The court recommended that medico-legal reports be computer-typed to enhance clarity and assist in the dispensation of justice. 

These judicial interventions underscore the critical need for legible medical documentation. Clear handwriting in medical records is essential not only for effective patient care but also for ensuring that legal processes are not impeded by ambiguous or unreadable information.