India, Aug. 26 -- The Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) has written to the Delhi government opposing its directive to install CCTV cameras at pharmacies, calling it a "breach of the right to privacy for patients". They have urged the government to withdraw the orders.

On July 26, the Delhi government's health department issued directions for installation of CCTV cameras in all chemist shops across Delhi to curb over-the-counter sale of "habit-forming" drugs without a doctor's prescription.

The decision was followed by a meeting of National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) held on July 18 to discuss measures to control the sale of special drugs without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).

The order...