- Health Ministry proposes mandatory CCTV cameras at medical stores.
- Aims to curb unauthorized sale of Schedule H, H1, X drugs.
- Proposal strengthens regulatory oversight and public health safeguards.
The Union Health Ministry has proposed the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at medical stores as part of draft amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945. According to the Gazette notification dated September 8, the measure aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and prevent the unauthorised sale and access of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs.
Why Has The Health Ministry Proposed CCTV Surveillance?
According to a report by news agency PTI, the proposal was first deliberated by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) and was then circulated among members of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), which subsequently recommended its approval.
The ministry stated that mandatory CCTV surveillance will serve as an additional regulatory safeguard to strengthen the monitoring of Schedule H, H1, and X drug sales, curb unauthorised access, and improve transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain to protect public health.
Understanding Schedule H, H1, And X Drugs
- Schedule H: Drugs that can be sold only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
- Schedule H1: A sub-category of prescription medicines that requires additional documentation and record-keeping requirements for sale.
- Schedule X: Medicines subject to particularly strict controls, including certain habit-forming, psychotropic, and narcotic substances, Hindustan Times reported.
What's Next
The Health Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and members of the public on the proposed amendment. Feedback can be sent to the Under Secretary (Drugs), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, or emailed to drugsdiv-mohfw@gov.in.
(With Inputs From PTI)