City doctors have expressed mixed reactions about the new prescription format made mandatory by the Medical Council of India.
City doctors have expressed mixed reactions about the new prescription format made mandatory by the Medical Council of India. Speaking to dna, Dr Sanjay Agarwala, the medical director of PD Hinduja Hospital, said that while the new format holds merit, it is too comprehensive and will be difficult to use in day-to-day practice. “The MCI needs to be reasonable and consider the busy consulting hours that every doctor has,” he said.
He added that while the intention behind the new format is good, there are few things that need to be reviewed- like writing the prescription in capitals, and giving the address/email/contact number of the patient in the prescription. “Writing a long prescription in capitals can be quite a task. Also, sharing the patient's personal contact information is not done. As a doctor, I have been following safe prescription habits, by ensuring that everything related to the patient's treatment is there on the paper,” said Dr Agarwala.
The city's private hospitals are waiting for the new format to be sent to them by the Maharashtra Medical Council. Dr Tarang Gianchandani, CEO, Jaslok Hospital said, “So far, we have not received any instructions. But we are following an extensive format based on guidelines laid down by National Accreditation Board of Hospitals and Healthcare (NABH). Anything related to the patient's safety, however, is welcomed. We will wait for the MMC or the right authority to send us the new format and decide accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation run hospitals are going to adopt the salient features of the new format. Dr SJ Nagda, director of major civic hospitals in BMC, said, “We have already issued a circular to incorporate the salient features of the prescription format designed by the MCI.”
Dr Nagda said that while giving the prescription to the patient, the concerned doctor has to mention department, his/her name, ward no, patient details etc. “We have made the head of the department accountable for implementing and following these instructions,” said Dr Nagda.
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