Chemists in Delhi will not be able to sell medicines without CCTV!

The Health Department has sent a notice to the Delhi All Chemist Association and Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance in this regard and asked them to ensure compliance with this rule. This decision was taken in the NCORD meeting on July 18.

The Delhi government has taken a big and strict step to stop the illegal sale of medicines and the growing problem of drug addiction. It will now be mandatory to install CCTV cameras in every medical shop in the capital. The Health Department has made it clear that cameras should be installed for surveillance in all pharmacies in Delhi by 31 July 2025. The purpose of this decision is to stop the sale of narcotic and dual-use medicines without a doctor's prescription.

This was decided in the meeting.

 

 

In this regard, the Health Department has sent a notice to the Delhi All Chemist Association and Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance and asked them to ensure compliance with this rule. This decision was taken in the Narcotics Control (NCORD) meeting held on 18 July 2025. In this meeting, concern was expressed that many medical stores in Delhi are selling narcotic drugs without prescription, which is promoting drug addiction especially among the youth.

What are dual use medicines?

Dual use drugs are those drugs which are used for treatment but can also be used for intoxication or non-medical purposes. Especially Schedule H, H1 and X category drugs, which should be sold only on the advice of a doctor. However, in reality, many times these drugs are easily available without a prescription. This is not only violating the law, but the problem of drug addiction is also increasing in the society.

These medicines are on the government's radar

• Schedule H: Common pain relievers and seasonal flu medicines – best-selling categories.
• Schedule H1: Medicines with slightly stricter regulations, sales records must be maintained.
• Schedule X: Highly controlled drugs such as psychotic drugs. Cannot be sold without a medical prescription.

For these medicines, there is already a rule for medical shops to record the doctor and patient details, but now CCTV cameras have also been made mandatory.

How will CCTV be beneficial?

The Health Department believes that by installing CCTV cameras in pharmacies, strict monitoring of the sale of medicines can be done. If a chemist sells medicines without a prescription, it will be recorded in the camera. This will make it easier to take action in such cases. The cameras will not only curb the illegal sale of medicines, but will also force the pharmacies to follow the rules. 

 

Why is this step necessary?

The Delhi government considers this step to be extremely important for the safety of the public and especially to save the youth from drug addiction. Drug addiction has become a serious social problem today. Many times over-the-counter medicines are being used for intoxication, which is putting the future of the youth in danger. This step of the government will not only ensure compliance with the law, but will also help in saving the society from the evil of drug addiction. 

 

Strictness for chemists

The Delhi government has set a strict deadline for medical stores to comply with this instruction. All pharmacies will have to install CCTV cameras by July 31, 2025. If anyone breaks this rule or does not install cameras even after the deadline, strict action will be taken against him. The Health Department has made it clear that no leniency will be given in this matter. 

 

What will be the future?

This decision of the Delhi government can become an example not only for the capital but for the entire country. If this step is successful, other states can also adopt it. This will not only stop the illegal sale of medicines but will also help in controlling the problem of drug addiction. The people of Delhi and medical store operators will now have to be ready for this new rule. This step may seem strict, but its purpose is to make the society safe and healthy.