Mandatory CCTV proposal for pharmacies faces opposition from chemists’ body

The All India Chemists and Distributors Federation (AICDF) has opposed the Centre’s draft proposal to make CCTV cameras mandatory at licensed retail pharmacies, citing additional costs for small shop owners including cameras, storage equipment and maintenance. In semi-urban and rural areas, frequent power outages could also force pharmacies to invest in generators or other backup power systems.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued a draft notification proposing an amendment to Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945 requiring non-wholesale supply of medicines against prescriptions from registered medical practitioners to take place under CCTV surveillance, with recordings retained for at least three months.

The federation contends that CCTV cameras cannot verify handwritten prescriptions or authenticate doctors. It has urged the Health Ministry to withdraw the draft and introduce a mandatory e-prescription framework instead.