Health Ministry proposes mandatory CCTV at prescription-drug medical stores
The Union Health Ministry has proposed requiring medical stores selling Schedule H, H1 and X drugs to install CCTV systems, seeking to curb unauthorised sales and strengthen pharmaceutical supply-chain accountability. Stakeholder feedback has been invited.
What happened
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare · Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV installation at medical stores selling Schedule H, H1 and X
Key facts
- Drugs Rules, 1945
- Schedule H, H1 and X drugs
- September 8
What changed
Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV installation at medical stores selling Schedule H, H1 and X prescription drugs, aiming to curb unauthorised sales and improve pharmaceutical supply-chain transparency and accountability.
Why this matters
Pharmacy operators should assess CCTV installation, retention and monitoring costs now, as the proposed rule would tighten controls on Schedule H, H1 and X drug sales.
What to watch
- Publication of the final Drugs Rules amendment, including covered schedules, store-size exemptions and effective date.
- Mandated camera count, footage-retention duration, storage format, remote-access and police/regulator access requirements.
- State drug-controller guidance, inspection drives and penalties for non-compliance.
- Whether the rule is linked to e-prescriptions, computerized billing, inventory reconciliation or pharmacist-presence requirements.
- CCTV and managed-security vendor price increases, installation backlogs and availability in smaller cities.