Colombo: The Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) has issued a formal notice reminding all medical professionals to strictly follow the official guidelines when writing and recommending prescriptions, citing growing concerns over patient safety.
The SLMC said the directive comes in response to an increasing number of complaints from pharmacists and members of the public about unclear or improperly written prescriptions issued by certain doctors. According to the Council, such lapses have made it difficult to correctly identify medications—an issue that can directly endanger patients.
In its statement, the Council stressed that clarity, legibility and accuracy in prescriptions are not optional but are mandatory components of professional medical conduct. The SLMC highlighted that the ethical guidelines governing medical practice clearly outline how prescriptions must be written, including format, terminology, and the information required to avoid ambiguity.
The Council reiterated that these rules are part of the official code of practice and are designed to safeguard both patients and healthcare providers. It also cautioned that disciplinary action will be taken against any medical practitioner who fails to comply with the established standards.
The SLMC’s reminder comes at a time when healthcare professionals across the country are being urged to ensure consistency, accuracy and professionalism in all aspects of patient care, especially in areas that directly affect treatment outcomes.
