Delhi Pharmacies Must Install CCTV Cameras by July 31, Orders Government

The Delhi government has made it compulsory for all pharmacies and chemist shops in the city to install CCTV cameras by the end of July 2025. This new step is part of efforts to stop the illegal sale of certain prescription medicines.

Move to Stop Misuse of High-Risk Medicines

This decision came after a meeting held under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD). The goal is to control the sale of medicines that fall under Schedule H, H1, and X, which are often sold without a doctor's prescription. These drugs can be misused by people and even animals, and have also been found being used in textiles, food, and chemical industries.

The step is seen as a way to increase monitoring in cooperation with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and stop the unregulated sale and misuse of these drugs in Delhi.

Strict Rules for Certain Medicines

A letter sent by the authorities stated that, as per NCORD guidelines, and in partnership with the NCB, chemists must now help stop the sale of prescription drugs without valid prescriptions. An earlier advisory had also been shared on August 1, 2024, warning against such practices.

Schedule H drugs include commonly used medicines such as painkillers and cold or flu tablets. While they are sold frequently, they are supposed to be given only with a prescription. Schedule H1 drugs are under stricter rules, requiring chemists to keep a record of each sale, including the doctor’s and patient’s details.

Schedule X drugs are the most tightly controlled. These include psychotropic drugs and cannot be sold without a proper medical prescription. Their storage and sale are closely watched because of their high risk of misuse.

Deadline for Installation

All pharmacies and chemist outlets in Delhi have been instructed to complete CCTV installation by July 31. This is expected to help track sales and deter illegal drug transactions, making the medicine supply chain safer.