Context
The Union Health Ministry has proposed amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 to require CCTV surveillance at licensed premises dispensing prescription medicines, with recordings preserved for at least three months. The proposal aims to curb unauthorised sale and misuse of regulated medicines.
Explanation
- The draft Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2026 propose inserting Rule 65(2A) in the Drugs Rules, 1945.
- Retail supply of medicines requiring a Registered Medical Practitioner’s prescription would have to occur under CCTV surveillance; wholesale transactions are excluded.
- The government specifically seeks stronger oversight of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs, whose unauthorised access can pose public-health risks.
- Schedule H covers prescription-only medicines; Schedule H1 imposes additional record-keeping requirements, including for specified antimicrobials.
- Schedule X contains certain drugs subject to stricter controls because of their potential for abuse or dependence.
- The proposal also raises privacy, data-access and proportionality concerns because pharmacy footage can reveal sensitive health-related information
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Pharmacy CCTV Rules: Drug Sale Oversight and Privacy