Archive · 17 Sep 2026
India Proposes CCTV Surveillance for Prescription Drug Sales
The government wants pharmacies to use cameras when selling medicines that require a doctor’s prescription.
The cameras would help show whether the medicine was sold properly.
Pharmacies would have to keep the recordings for at least three months if the rule becomes final.
Wholesale medicine sellers would not be covered by this proposal.
The government says the plan could reduce people buying prescription medicines without medical advice.
Officials are also concerned that medicines meant for adults, including some cough syrups, may be given to children incorrectly.
The proposal covers prescription-based drug sales broadly rather than only medicines in particular schedules.
Pharmacies do not have to follow this new CCTV rule yet.
The government is still collecting public feedback before deciding whether to make it final.
The Centre has proposed CCTV surveillance for prescription-drug sales at licensed retail premises.
The draft amendment to Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 would require recordings to be retained for at least three months.
Wholesale drug dealing would be excluded from the proposed requirement.
The government says the measure would curb unauthorised over-the-counter sales and improve accountability in dispensing.
The proposal is not yet in force and remains open to objections and suggestions before final notification.
- Who
- The Centre, through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, proposed the measure for licensed pharmacies and other retail drug premises.
- What
- A draft amendment would require CCTV surveillance for prescription-based drug supply and retention of recordings for at least three months.
- When
- The draft Gazette notification was issued on September 8, 2026; the proposed rules are not yet in force.
- Where
- At licensed pharmacies and other licensed retail premises in India.
- Why
- To make prescription-drug sales verifiable, curb unauthorised over-the-counter dispensing, and improve accountability.
- Proposed requirement
- CCTV surveillance for prescription-based drug supply at licensed retail premises
- Recording period
- At least three months
- Excluded activity
- Wholesale drug dealing
- Legal amendment
- A proposed new sub-rule under Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945
- Current status
- Draft proposal open to objections and suggestions
- Consultation period
- The draft will be considered after 30 days from the public availability of the Gazette
- Scope
- The wording broadly covers prescription-based drug supply and does not specifically name Schedule H, H1, or X medicines