Health Ministry Proposes Mandatory CCTV at Pharmacies for Schedule H and X Drugs

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a draft gazette notification proposing key amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, aimed at tightening regulatory oversight over the retail dispensing of sensitive medications listed under Schedule H, Schedule H1, and Schedule X. The notification, released through Draft Notification G.S.R. 791 (E), introduces mandatory CCTV surveillance inside pharmacy premises as an enforceable safeguard against unauthorized dispensing. The proposed regulations address rising concerns regarding the over-the-counter sale and diversion of habit-forming narcotics, psychotropic substances, and potent prescription drugs without valid medical practitioner prescriptions. Under the draft norms, retail chemists and medical stores will be required to maintain functional CCTV monitoring covering customer billing counters and medicine storage areas, with video records stored for regulatory inspections. The Ministry has opened the draft amendments for public and stakeholder comments, feedback, and suggestions before issuing the final statutory notification. Healthcare experts note that the measure will significantly enhance supply chain traceability, curb illegal distribution of regulated pharmaceuticals, and reinforce consumer safety standards across India's nationwide retail pharmacy network.