The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed amendments to the Drugs Rules of 1945. The new regulations would require medical stores to install CCTV cameras to prevent the unauthorized sale of prescription medications. This initiative aims to address ongoing complaints about pharmacists dispensing prescription drugs without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
New Regulatory Measures Proposed for Pharmaceutical Oversight
The Ministry has proposed an amendment aimed at preventing unauthorized access to and sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs. This amendment includes a recommendation for mandatory CCTV surveillance in medical stores to enhance regulatory oversight.
The ministry believes these measures will help reduce illegal sales of these medications and improve transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen public health safeguards.
“Upon implementation, the proposed amendment is expected to help strengthen monitoring of the sale and distribution of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs and curb their unauthorized 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,” said the statement.
