Health Ministry Proposes CCTV Mandate at Pharmacies for Controlled Drugs

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed mandatory CCTV camera surveillance at retail medical stores to monitor the sale and dispensation of prescription-only medicines categorized under Schedule H, Schedule H1, and Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

The regulatory measure aims to curb the illegal over-the-counter sale of habit-forming narcotics, psychotropic substances, and potent antibiotics. Unregulated sales of controlled drugs contribute significantly to drug abuse among youth and aggravate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing a severe public health challenge across India.

Under the proposed amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, pharmacies must maintain CCTV footage of prescription drug transactions for a minimum designated period for inspection by Drug Inspectors. Schedule H1 and X cover critical habit-forming drugs, third-generation antibiotics, and psychoactive substances that legally require strict prescription tracking.

The initiative strengthens regulatory compliance within retail pharmaceutical supply chains. For exam preparation, this news is highly relevant for UPSC Mains GS-2 (Health Governance & Public Health) and GS-3 (Antimicrobial Resistance), as well as SSC/Banking questions on health regulatory frameworks and drug schedules.