Delhi chemists’ body urges government to withdraw CCTV order, citing privacy concerns

The Delhi health department’s July 26 directive mandates chemist shops to install surveillance cameras inside and outside to curb illegal sales of habit-forming drugs under Schedules H, H1, and X, with authorities empowered to conduct random checks and enforce compliance

The Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) has raised objections to the Delhi government’s directive mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all pharmacies across the capital. The association has described the move as an infringement on patient privacy and has urged authorities to withdraw the order.

The directive, issued on July 26 by the Delhi health department, requires chemist shops to install surveillance cameras both inside and outside their premises. Officials said the measure is intended to check the illegal over-the-counter sale of habit-forming medicines that fall under Schedule H, H1, and X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The notification followed a July 18 meeting of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD), where the misuse of prescription drugs without proper medical authorization was flagged as a growing concern. Authorities have been empowered to conduct random checks of CCTV footage, with non-compliance inviting legal action from the Drug Controller Authority, magistrates, or the police.

Chemists call order “intrusive” and “discriminatory”

In a formal representation to the Delhi government, the RDCA highlighted what it called “constitutional, legal, and practical challenges” in implementing the order. RDCA president Sandeep Nangia argued that constant surveillance inside medical stores could discourage patients from approaching chemists freely, especially those seeking treatment for sensitive health conditions.

“Installing cameras inside shops amounts to breaching a patient’s right to privacy,” Nangia said, adding that the directive unfairly burdens offline pharmacies when online sellers remain outside such scrutiny. He also claimed that the enforcement appeared selective, with certain districts, particularly in South Delhi, facing greater pressure to comply.

Government stands firm on compliance

A senior drug control department official, speaking anonymously, defended the order, stating that it was issued at the state level in line with NCORD’s directives. “The measure is not limited to one district; it applies across Delhi. If associations have concerns, they are free to challenge the order in court,” the official said.

While the government maintains that the surveillance mandate is aimed at preventing the misuse of narcotics and psychotropic substances, chemist associations insist that patient privacy and practical implementation challenges must not be overlooked.