The Biz Reporter
Srinagar, Feb 4: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has issued a new circular reinforcing prescription writing protocols and introducing a stringent audit system across all government healthcare institutions in the Kashmir Division.
The directive, which builds upon a 2016 government order, mandates that all doctors must write prescriptions in legible capital letters and include their complete details, addressing long-standing concerns about prescription readability in the region’s healthcare system.
In a significant move to ensure accountability, the directorate has established a novel monitoring mechanism requiring “Nodal Officers” at district and sub-district hospitals to randomly collect photocopies of at least 1% of prescriptions daily. These samples will be reviewed by a dedicated “Prescription Audit Committee” at the district level.
The circular also emphasizes the use of generic medicines available through government supplies, prioritizing cost-effective healthcare delivery for patients. Medical Superintendents and Chief Medical Officers across Kashmir have been directed to implement these measures strictly within their jurisdictions.
“Any deviation in this regard by any doctor should be immediately reported to this directorate,” the circular states, indicating potential disciplinary action for non-compliance.
This initiative appears to be part of broader healthcare reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to enhance prescription transparency and optimize the use of government-supplied medications. The measure could potentially impact thousands of patients who rely on government health institutions for their medical needs.
The circular has been distributed to various stakeholders, including the Health & Medical Education Department, Chief Medical Officers, and Medical Superintendents, ensuring widespread implementation across the healthcare
