The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published a draft regulatory notification proposing to make the installation of high-definition closed-circuit television cameras and mandatory ninety-day video footage preservation compulsory for all licensed retail pharmacies across India. The stringent oversight framework aims to prevent the illicit over-the-counter diversion of habit-forming narcotics, Schedule H and H1 medications, and potent psychotropic substances.
Under the proposed amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, pharmacy operators must position video recording cameras to capture prescription handover transactions and billing counters without violating individual patient privacy. Central and state drug inspectors will be granted legal authority to demand digital footage logs during surprise compliance audits and investigate unauthorized drug dispensing practices.
While retail chemist associations acknowledged the importance of curbing illegal substance abuse, they expressed practical concerns regarding continuous high-capacity data storage costs for small rural medical stores. The health ministry announced a forty-five-day public consultation window to receive suggestions from pharmacists, medical practitioners, and patient advocacy groups prior to final gazette publication.
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