CCTV proposed at medical stores for sale of prescription drugs
The Indian Union Health Ministry has proposed a new rule requiring CCTV surveillance in medical stores for all prescription drug sales. This measure aims to prevent unauthorized transactions and improve oversight of regulated medicines.
Why it matters
This regulatory change could significantly impact pharmacy operations and patient privacy while aiming to curb the illegal sale of prescription drugs.
The Union Health Ministry has proposed making CCTV surveillance mandatory at licensed premises selling prescription drugs, as part of proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The draft notification, G.S.R. 791(E), issued on September 8, proposes inserting a new provision in Rule 65 requiring the supply of drugs on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner, other than through wholesale dealing, to take place under a CCTV surveillance system installed and maintained at the licensed premises. The recordings would have to be preserved for at least three months.
The proposal follows deliberations by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and subsequent consideration by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). The DCC had earlier recommended that CCTV cameras be made mandatory at medical stores and that they be positioned so that drug sales could be verified.
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