# Health Ministry proposes mandatory CCTV at medical stores

2026-09-17T08:49:12+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 4 independent outlets

The Union Health Ministry has proposed making CCTV surveillance mandatory at licensed premises selling prescription drugs, according to a draft notification issued on September 8, 2026. The proposed amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, would require all prescription drug sales at retail to be recorded and the footage preserved for at least three months. Wholesale dealers are exempt from the requirement. The proposal follows deliberations by the Drugs Consultative Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. The Ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days. The rule will be finalised after the consultation period ends. Submissions can be sent by email to drugsdiv-mohfw@gov.in.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All four sources report the draft rule neutrally, focusing on the mechanism, scope and timeline. The Federal frames it narrowly as targeting Schedule H, H1 and X drugs, while The Hindu and Times Now note the broader wording covers all prescription drugs. The key implication is enforcement: the rule creates a verifiable record for regulators, but compliance costs fall on small pharmacies. The consultation closes in late September 2026, after which the government will decide on the final notification.

## Coverage

- indiatvnews.com (neutral report) <https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/government-proposes-cctv-surveillance-at-medical-stores-selling-prescription-drugs-2026-09-17-1054479>
  Leads with government proposal, no comment or critique
- thehindu.com (neutral report) <https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/cctv-proposed-at-medical-stores-for-sale-of-prescription-drugs/article71475752.ece>
  Detailed procedural timeline, official quote included
- timesnownews.com (neutral report) <https://www.timesnownews.com/health/cctv-mandatory-for-prescription-drug-sales-centre-drafts-new-rule-article-156173291>
  Expands on regulatory context and child safety angle
- thefederal.com (neutral report) <https://thefederal.com/category/health/centre-proposes-mandatory-cctv-surveillance-at-medical-stores-invites-responses-256843>
  Frames around Schedule H, H1 and X, not all prescription drugs

Tags: CCTV, Drugs Rules 1945, Drugs Technical Advisory Board, prescription drugs, Union Health Ministry
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