India proposes mandatory CCTV surveillance for all pharmacies

The Indian Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has proposed an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, which would mandate CCTV surveillance at all pharmacies nationwide. The goal of the proposal is to strengthen regulatory oversight and track the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X prescription drugs, thereby enhancing transparency and public health safeguards. Under the draft notification, CCTV recordings would need to be preserved for a minimum of three months.

The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD), representing approximately 15 lakh chemists and distributors, has urged the government to reconsider the mandate. The organization argues that the requirement would impose a significant financial burden on small and medium-sized chemists, with estimated costs ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for equipment, installation, and maintenance.

Additionally, the AIOCD highlighted practical challenges in rural and remote areas, including frequent power failures, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of trained technicians to maintain surveillance systems. The organization has requested that the government either provide the necessary infrastructure or adopt a more proportionate mechanism for monitoring.