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Mint
5 days ago
- Health
- Mint
CCTVs now mandatory in pharmacies to combat drug abuse by children
New Delhi: Pharmacies and chemist shops across the nation will now be required to install CCTV cameras to strengthen efforts against drug and substance abuse by children. The new mandate is a key part of a joint action plan developed by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD). Their directive urges states and Union Territories to prevent the sale of controlled substances—specifically Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—to minors. Schedule H drugs are those that can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. Schedule H1 includes specific third and fourth-generation antibiotics, some habit-forming drugs, and anti-TB drugs. Schedule X drugs are those with a high potential for abuse or dependence and include amphetamines, barbiturates, and certain narcotics. The new surveillance measure targets commonly misused medications such as codeine-based cough syrups (Schedule H1) and Alprazolam tablets and Tramadol capsules, which are Schedule X drugs. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics on substance use among minors in India. About 2 million children aged 10-17 were users of sedatives for non-medical purposes, according to the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India conducted in 2018. The survey indicated that about 4 million children in this age group were opioid users, although a breakdown for pharmaceutical opioids was not available. The 2018 data, released by the ministry of social justice and empowerment through the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS) remains the latest comprehensive national survey on substance use among Indian children. "It has been advised to stop, prevent and discourage the sale of dual-use medicines without a prescription," an official familiar with the matter said. "During the NCORD meeting, CCTV installation was urged at chemist or pharmacy shops across all states/UTs so that health authorities can verify records." Taking the initiative, the Delhi government's drugs control department issued directives on 22 July to chemist associations within its jurisdiction, asking them not to sell Schedule H, H1, and X drugs to minors without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. 'Assistant Drugs Controllers/Licensing Authorities and Drugs Inspectors of the Government of NCT of Delhi are now tasked with monitoring and ensuring strict adherence to these new regulations. All Chemist Associations in Delhi have been urged to disseminate this crucial information to their members for immediate compliance,' the Delhi government said. The Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) has circulated the CCTV installation directive to members. However, it has sought clarifications for effective compliance about whether the mandate is a legal requirement under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act or merely an advisory. 'We also need to know if NCB guidelines directly apply to standard retail pharmacies, given their operations fall under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Furthermore, we've asked if additional record-keeping or surveillance protocols are now mandatory. To avoid confusion, the RDCA urges a clear, formal directive, preferably under the Drugs Act, if CCTV installation is compulsory,' the alliance leadership said. They emphasized their commitment to ethical practices and public health, seeking clarity for full compliance.
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Business Standard
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Delhi govt orders CCTV cameras in chemist shops to curb misuse of medicines
To stop the misuse of medicines, the Delhi government has asked all pharmacies and medical stores to install CCTVs on their premises by July 31, news agency ANI reported. This move aims to control the sale of low-quality drugs and medicines that are often misused without a prescription. The order mainly focuses on high-risk medicines like codeine-based cough syrups, alprazolam tablets, and tramadol capsules. These are drugs that can be misused for intoxication and are often consumed by minors without proper medical supervision. NCORD meeting sparks action against misuse This move follows a meeting held under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD). The main goal of the meeting was to find ways to stop the sale of prescription drugs listed under Schedule H, H1, and X without a doctor's advice. Authorities acted after getting complaints that these drugs were being misused not only by people but also in other industries like textiles, chemicals, and food. The Delhi government, along with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), hopes that setting up CCTV cameras will help in tracking and reducing illegal drug sales, the news report said. On this decision, an official letter said: "As per provisions of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau, has been advised to stop, prevent and discourage the sale of dual-use medicines without prescription and an advisory dated August 1, 2024 on this matter was already issued earlier." i Understanding Schedule H, H1, and X drugs *Schedule H drugs include commonly used medicines like painkillers and flu drugs. Though they need a prescription, they are often sold over the counter without one. *Schedule H1 drugs come under stricter rules. Chemists are required to maintain a record of these sales, including the doctor's and patient's details. *Schedule X drugs are under the highest level of regulation. These include psychotropic substances, which have a high risk of misuse. They can only be sold with a valid prescription, and their storage is closely checked by authorities. All chemists and medical shops have been asked to install CCTV cameras by the end of this month. The cameras are expected to act as a deterrent to illegal sales and help authorities keep a better watch over medicine distribution.
NDTV
5 days ago
- NDTV
Delhi Government Mandates CCTVs At All Pharmacies By July End
The Delhi government has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in the national capital by the end of July. The decision comes after a meeting under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination portal (NCORD), aiming to curb the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without prescription. It is a significant move to prevent the misuse of dual-use medicines. The decision was taken after authorities had received complaints about these drugs being misused for intoxication, on humans and animals, and even in textiles, chemicals, and food items. This step is expected to enhance surveillance in coordination with the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Delhi government, thereby curbing illegal drug distribution. The letter issued on the same stated, "As per provisions of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal, in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau, has been advised to stop, prevent and discourage the sale of dual-use medicines without prescription and an advisory dated first August 2024 on this matter was already issued earlier." The Schedule H drugs are some of the most commonly used medicines, such as painkillers and seasonal flu drugs. They are usually the highest-selling over-the-counter drugs, though technically they require a prescription. For the Schedule H1 drugs, regulations are stricter. Chemists are required to maintain a register of their sales, including details of the prescribing doctor and the patient. The last category, Schedule X drugs, falls under the strictest regulatory category. They typically include psychotropic substances and cannot be sold without a valid medical prescription. Their storage and sale are closely monitored due to potential misuse. All the pharmacies and chemists have been advised to install cameras by the end of this month.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Install CCTV cameras in a week to curb misuse of scheduled drugs: Govt to medical shops
New Delhi: In a move to curb the sale of low-quality drugs and dual-use medicines without prescriptions, Delhi govt has directed all pharmaceutical and medical shops to install CCTV cameras on their premises by the end of July 2025. The order specifically targets high-risk drugs such as codeine-based cough syrups, alprazolam tablets and tramadol capsules, which are frequently misused—particularly by minors. In a letter addressed to Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance and other chemist associations across Delhi, special secretary (health and family welfare) Danish Ashraf stated: "Share this communication with all your members, conveying the directions not to indulge in the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Further, as per the deliberations held during the 11th NCORD meeting on July 18, your members/chemists are requested to install CCTV cameras at their premises by the end of July 2025. " These scheduled drugs are strictly regulated. Schedule H and H1 drugs cannot be sold over the counter and require a doctor's prescription. H1 drugs—such as strong antibiotics, anti-TB medicines, and habit-forming substances under the NDPS Act—require sales to be logged in a separate register. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo by Taboola by Taboola Schedule X drugs, such as barbiturates, amphetamines, and pentobarbital, are highly regulated, requiring special sale licences, secure storage under lock and key, and strict documentation, including prescription retention. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Officials added that the drug control department conducts regular inspections across the city to ensure compliance. It also carries out special drives from time to time to collect samples from retailers, wholesalers and institutions to check the quality of drugs available in the market. "In one such special drive conducted in June 2025, the department collected 127 samples of anti-cancer drugs from various outlets across the capital. Of these, 48 samples were tested and found to be genuine and compliant with prescribed quality norms. The results of the remaining 79 samples are awaited. All tested samples so far have been declared of standard quality," said KR Chawla, head of office, drug control department. The ongoing surveillance and quality checks aim to boost accountability and deter the over-the-counter sale of restricted drugs without medical supervision—while also ensuring that essential medicines, particularly for critical illnesses like cancer, meet safety and efficacy standards, said another official.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Short-term rentals in Noida under scanner as highrise ‘b&bs' proliferate
Noida: Short-term rentals in high-rise residential societies have come under scrutiny following a spate of complaints about loud parties, drug use, and unauthorised commercial activity. Officials say properties listed on online booking platforms are being used as unregistered guesthouses and party venues, often in violation of housing and excise norms. At a recent Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting, DM Manish Verma directed police, excise officials and other agencies to investigate these properties. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida "We need to examine the legality of such rentals," Verma said. "If someone is letting out a flat for a day or two, it must comply with the Sarai Act. If liquor is being served, the flat owner must also have a home bar licence under UP excise rules." The Sarai Act, 1867, aims to standardise and regulate the operations of sarais or guesthouses, ensuring they are maintained properly and provide basic amenities to travellers. The Act outlines penalties for violations of its provisions, including fines and potential disqualification for owners. While platforms like Airbnb allow flexible stays, officials say the absence of regulation has allowed some units to become hotspots for disruptive gatherings and, in some cases, illegal drug use. Excise officer Subodh Kumar, who was present at the meeting, said many flat owners and brokers are letting out properties on a daily or weekly basis without any oversight. "These flats are technically residential but are functioning like mini hotels or party spots. This is not just a violation of housing regulations but also a potential threat to law and order," Kumar said. A multi-agency team will now survey residential societies where such listings are common and submit a detailed report to the district administration. Officials told TOI that short-term rentals were mostly operating out of studio apartments in under-construction residential societies without residents welfare association and apartment owners associations, making it difficult for them to track such activities. Typically, these are furnished flats with WI-FI and parking facilities, and charge anywhere between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 a night. Currently, there is no formal regulatory framework for such rentals. Lack of hotels and guesthouses, especially near business and industrial hubs, makes these short-term rentals attractive to people visiting the city for work. The average rent of studio apartments in Noida ranges from Rs 35,000 to Rs 45,000 per month and from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 in Greater Noida. Rajiva Singh, president of the Noida Federation of Apartment Owners' Associations (NOFAA), said no residential society in Noida with a functioning RWA or AOA currently allows short-term rentals. "There was one society in Sector 137 where studio apartments were being rented out on Airbnb a couple of years ago, but that was stopped once the AOA was elected," he said. Singh raised concerns over security. "If new people are coming and going every night, who takes responsibility for the area's safety? Unlike tenants, daily visitors aren't subject to police verification," he added. The DM also called drug abuse in youths a matter of concern. "Drug addiction is not just misleading youth, it's weakening the social fabric. Every department must work together to stop it," he said during the meeting. He also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns involving schools, colleges, hostels, PGs, and RWAs. Surprise inspections will be carried out, and institutions will need to submit affidavits declaring their campuses drug-free. The administration is also planning to publicly recognise educational institutes that actively keep their spaces clean of drug activity.
