Illegible handwriting can result in delays in treatment and even unnecessary tests and inappropriate doses. This may lead to patient discomfort and even death in certain cases. Furthermore, poor handwriting in medical records can also have adverse implications in medicolegal cases. (Sokol DK, Hettige S. Poor handwriting remains a significant problem in medicine. J R Soc Med. 2006 Dec; 99(12): 645–646.) 

The Union Health Ministry had also approved an amendment to the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, stating that every physician must prescribe drugs with generic names in legible and capital letters and must also ensure that there is a rational prescription and use of drugs.