Chemists oppose mandatory CCTV surveillance in retail pharmacies due to privacy concerns (AI-generated image used for representational purposes)
the association said mandatory surveillance at all pharmacies could discourage patients from openly discussing sensitive medical issues While supporting efforts to ensure lawful dispensing of medicines. RDCA said patients may not wish to have their identity, appearance, medical discussions or medicine purchases recorded and stressed that regulatory measures should not discourage people from seeking medical advice or approaching pharmacies. NEW DELHI: A proposal to make CCTV surveillance mandatory at retail pharmacies has drawn objections from chemists, who argue that recording medicine purchases and interactions could compromise patient privacy, particularly in cases involving reproductive, sexual, psychiatric and neurological health. The body further noted that pharmacists often discuss dosage, administration, precautions, drug interactions and treatment duration with customers, conversations that may involve confidential health information.