In a move to clamp down on the unauthorised sale of prescription drugs, the Delhi government has directed all pharmacies and chemist shops in the national capital to install CCTV cameras by the end of July.
The directive follows a meeting held under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD), which emphasised the urgent need to curb the misuse and illegal sale of Schedule H, H1, and X medicines—many of which are being diverted for intoxication purposes and other unintended uses across sectors such as textiles and chemicals.
Authorities had received several complaints about the widespread misuse of these regulated drugs, prompting this surveillance initiative. The move is part of a broader coordination effort between the Delhi government and the Narcotics Control Bureau to track and discourage the unlawful distribution of dual-use medicines.
An official advisory, dated August 1, 2024, was previously issued to reinforce the need for stricter control and monitoring of pharmaceutical sales.
Schedule H drugs include commonly used medications like painkillers and flu remedies, which legally require a prescription but are often sold over the counter. Schedule H1 drugs come with stricter rules, mandating chemists to maintain records of the prescribing doctor and the patient. Schedule X drugs, which include psychotropic substances, are under the highest level of regulation and cannot be sold without valid prescriptions.
Pharmacies across Delhi have been instructed to comply with the CCTV installation order by July 31 to enhance transparency and curb illegal sales.
