CCTV at medical stores: 64% consumers say chemists rarely ask for doctor's prescription

The Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV surveillance at medical stores to strengthen monitoring of prescription medicines. The proposal comes as a nationwide survey finds gaps in prescription checks, pharmacist availability, billing and medicine quality.

In Short

• LocalCircles gathered over 106,000 responses across 327 districts from consumers
• Only 31% said qualified pharmacists assisted them most times or always
• Most buyers relied on local chemists, including home delivery via WhatsApp

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed changes to the Drugs Rules, 1945, aimed at strengthening the monitoring and sale of certain prescription medicines. The proposal focusses on Schedule H, Schedule H1 and Schedule X drugs, which are subject to specific regulatory requirements because of the need for tighter control over their sale and distribution.

The proposed changes have been outlined in a Draft Gazette Notification, G.S.R. 791 (E), dated September 8, 2026. One of the key proposals is to make CCTV surveillance mandatory at medical stores. The move is intended to create a record of activities at pharmacies and improve transparency in the sale of medicines that require greater regulatory oversight.

The proposal comes amid concerns about the unauthorised access to and sale of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs. These medicines are generally required to be sold under specific conditions, including prescription requirements. The government is seeking to strengthen the systems that ensure these rules are followed.

Against this backdrop, a nationwide survey by LocalCircles has highlighted how frequently consumers encounter gaps in prescription checks at medical stores. The survey received more than 106,000 responses from consumers across 327 districts of India and looked at how people purchase medicines, whether qualified pharmacists assist them, whether prescriptions are checked and whether consumers receive proper bills.

64% SAY CHEMISTS RARELY ASK FOR PRESCRIPTIONS

The survey found that 64% of consumers said their local chemist never or rarely asked for a doctor's prescription when they bought medicines during the last 12 months.

The survey question received 15,561 responses. While 34% said the chemist never refused to provide medicines without a prescription and 30% said this happened very rarely, 18% said it happened sometimes. Only 11% said their chemist refused to sell medicines without a prescription most of the time, while 4% said this always happened.

Overall, only 15% of consumers surveyed said their chemist mostly or always refused to sell medicines without a doctor's prescription. The finding has drawn attention to prescription compliance at retail medical stores.

ONLY 31% REPORT REGULAR PHARMACIST ASSISTANCE

The survey also examined whether consumers were receiving assistance from qualified pharmacists when they visited local chemists.

Among 19,409 respondents, 26% said a qualified pharmacist assisted them most of the time, while 5% said this always happened. Another 22% said they received such assistance sometimes.

However, 11% said a qualified pharmacist assisted them very rarely, and 16% said never. A further 13% said the person who assisted them was not a qualified pharmacist. Overall, only 31% said they received assistance from a qualified pharmacist most of the time or always.

LOCAL CHEMISTS REMAIN THE MAIN SOURCE

The survey found that local chemists continue to be the primary source of medicine for most consumers. Of those who responded to this question, 62% said they visited or sent someone to their local chemist to purchase medicines.

Another 24% said they called or messaged their local chemist, including through WhatsApp, and had medicines delivered to their homes. Only 14% said they primarily used ePharmacy apps. Together, 86% primarily depended on local chemists either through physical purchases or home delivery.

Prescription checks were also reported to be less frequent during home delivery. About 41% said their local chemist never or rarely asked for a copy of a doctor's prescription during ordering or delivery.

26% SAY THEY DID NOT GET A GST BILL

The survey also looked at whether consumers received proper bills when purchasing medicines. While 70% said they received a printed GST bill or invoice, 3% received a manually prepared GST bill.

Another 9% received only a handwritten estimate, a paper or medicine envelope with the total amount written on it. Two per cent said the total was shared through WhatsApp, phone or at delivery without a GST bill, while 15% said they received no bill at all.

Overall, 26% of consumers surveyed said they were not provided with a GST bill.

SURVEY ALSO FLAGS FAKE AND INEFFECTIVE MEDICINES

The survey further asked consumers whether they had purchased medicines that were later found to be fake or counterfeit. Among 18,457 respondents, 4% said this had happened several times, and 11% said it had happened once or twice.

Another 15% reported receiving medicines that were not confirmed to be counterfeit but were completely ineffective. This included 4% who said it happened many times and 11% who said it happened once or twice.

The findings come as state drug authorities continue enforcement against violations involving prescription medicines, pharmacist supervision, invoices and medicine storage. The Health Ministry's draft proposal is now open to objections and suggestions from the public before it is finalised.

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