Srs to train new doctors in prescription-writing at IMA workshop

Struggling to figure out that prescription of yours from the doctor? Soon, you won't have to.

Indian Medical Association (IMA) has decided to organise a special workshop for new doctors in state to train them in writing legible prescriptions and giving proper dosage for specific diseases. IMA has sent out a directive to all doctors that they have to write prescriptions in capital letters to prevent any confusion. This will also help chemists give the right medicines.

Every year, more than 5,000 doctors pass the MBBS exam. The IMA, an umbrella body of medical professionals, has more than 3,500 doctors registered with its Mumbai chapter.

Institute of Medicine, a US-based non-profit organisation, reported that illegible prescriptions were responsible for 7,000 deaths annually.

"As of now, we are doing this initiative only for Maharashtra. We will implement it across the country gradually. Most medicine shops across the country do not have qualified pharmacists. Often they fail to decipher what a doctor has written and end up giving wrong medicines. There is a need to do something about this..." said Dr Anil Pachnekar, dean, National IMA.

"Senior doctors will impart training to the new ones in the workshop."

Experts say in some countries, like the US, doctors give printed prescriptions. However, doctors here are overworked, some seeing 100 patients daily, and hence, it's not practicable to give printed prescriptions, they add.

Dr Sangeeta Pikale, spokesperson of the Association of Medical Consultants, a body of super-specialty doctors, lauded IMA's initiative.