Government drafts rule to mandate CCTV in pharmacies selling prescription medicines

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has circulated a draft amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, mandating the installation of CCTV systems in pharmacies that sell Schedule H, H1 and X prescription drugs. The proposal, outlined in a Gazette notification dated September 8, was initially discussed by the Drugs Consultative Committee before being forwarded to the Drugs Technical Advisory Board for further scrutiny. After deliberation, the Board recommended that the amendment be approved as a means to prevent unauthorized access and sale of controlled medicines.

Authorities expect the surveillance requirement to improve accountability and reduce illicit distribution within the pharmaceutical sector. The ministry has opened a period for public comments, inviting objections and suggestions to be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs) via email. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to tighten regulatory oversight and protect public health.