Pharmaceutical quality

         - Ganadhish Kamat India’s drug regulatory landscape is no stranger to reactive policymaking, but the recent proposal by the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) to mandate CCTV cameras in medical stores risks crossing a line—from regulation into surveillance. While the stated objective of this is to curb illegal drug sales specifically Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—to minors   and improve accountability, the measure raises serious concerns about privacy, effectiveness, and regulatory overreach. At first glance, the idea appears sensible: if pharmacies are under constant watch, errant behavior might reduce. But this assumption rests on a flawed premise—that the presence of cameras can meaningfully address the complex and deeply rooted issues in pharmaceutical retail. A Privacy Problem in Plain Sight Medical stores are not just retail outlets; they are spaces where individuals often discuss deeply personal health issues. Patients may inquire about medica...