India’s Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed making CCTV surveillance mandatory at pharmacies and medical stores that sell Schedule H, H1, and X drugs. The proposal is a draft amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, issued in a gazette notification on September 8. It requires any prescription-only medicine to be supplied under continuous closed-circuit television monitoring at the sales premises.
The government aims to curb unauthorized access and illegal sales of these misuse-prone, habit-forming, or restricted substances without valid prescriptions. The proposal was examined by the Drugs Consultative Committee and recommended for approval by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. The Health Ministry states the rule will improve transparency, accountability, and public health safeguards across the pharmaceutical retail chain.
A 30-day window from the notification date has been opened for pharmacists, industry bodies, and the public to submit objections and suggestions. If adopted, the requirement will apply nationwide to all licensed outlets for restricted-schedule drugs.