Centre proposes CCTV surveillance at pharmacies

• The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, with the objective of strengthening regulatory oversight over Schedule H, H1 and X drugs.

• The proposed amendment seeks to address concerns relating to unauthorised access to and sale of prescription-based drugs and recommends mandatory CCTV surveillance at medical stores as an additional regulatory safeguard.

• The proposal was initially deliberated upon by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and was subsequently circulated among the members of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) for deliberation. 

• Following consideration of the proposal, the DTAB recommended its approval.

• Upon implementation, the proposed amendment is expected to help strengthen monitoring of the sale and distribution of prescription-based drugs and curb their unauthorised access and sale without valid prescriptions.

• The proposed CCTV surveillance mechanism will also enhance transparency and accountability across the pharmaceutical supply chain, thereby strengthening safeguards for public health.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)