Dual-use drug sales: Delhi govt mandates pharmacies to install CCTVs by July-end

Dual-use medications are drugs that have both medical and non-medical applications. The management of these drugs requires special attention due to the potential for misuse, diversion, or tampering.

Published on: Jul 25, 2025, 06:24:18 IST

By Ridhima Gupta

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The Delhi government’s health department on Thursday issued directions for the installation of CCTV cameras at all pharmacies across the city by July-end to curb the sale of over-the-counter dual-use drugs without a valid prescription.

The health department issued a notice to the All Chemist Association Delhi and the Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance, asking them to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras at all pharmacies. (FILE)

Dual-use medications are drugs that have both medical and non-medical applications. This means they can be used for therapeutic purposes in humans or animals, but also have other uses in various industries, such as textiles, chemicals, or food production. The management of these drugs requires special attention due to the potential for misuse, diversion, or tampering.

According to health department officials, who did not wish to be named, during the recent state-level National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) meeting held on July 18, the Health and Family Welfare Special Secretary held discussions on measures to control the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).

Following this, on Thursday, the health department issued a notice to the All Chemist Association Delhi and the Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA), asking them to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras at all pharmacies. The notice further directed chemist shop owners to follow guidelines for CCTV installation at their premises by the end of July.

“It was desired by members of the meeting that the installation of surveillance cameras in all medical shops must be ensured as a measure to prevent the sale of dual-use medicines without a prescription. In this connection... it has been advised to stop, prevent, and discourage the sale of dual-use medicines without prescription,” read the notice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ridhima Gupta
Ridhima Gupta is a Principal Correspondent at Hindustan Times, where she covers healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy. Her reporting centers on Delhi’s major hospitals (AIIMS, Safdarjung, Lok Nayak), the state health department, and emerging medical trends. Ridhima is particularly interested in reporting on healthcare issues through the lens of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Her work often explores the intersection of healthcare and public policy, examining how these factors shape access health care. Based in New Delhi, many of her reports have led to direct government action over the years, in different city. Earlier this year, she completed a media training workshop on the Impact of Extreme Heat on Health, organised by the Global Strategic Communications Council (GSCC), further strengthening her interest in reporting on the intersection of climate change and public health. A postgraduate from the Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, Ridhima has around a decade of experience in journalism. She began her career as a trainee television reporter with Mirror Now in Mumbai and has since worked across multiple cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi, contributing to both print and broadcast newsrooms. She is a recipient of the Laadli Media Fellowship (2022) for her reporting on education, disability, and women’s issues. Before joining Hindustan Times, Ridhima worked with The Times of India, New Indian Express and News18. A native of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, Ridhima completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology. And when she is not working as a journalist she likes to paint and go on nature hikes.Read More

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