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The Government of India is planning a centralized digital platform to monitor controlled drugs across the supply chain under the NDPS framework. Cleared by the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC), the system aims to enable real-time tracking and strengthen coordination among regulatory authorities, addressing long-standing concerns regarding diversion, misuse, and gaps in oversight mechanisms.
At present, India does not have a unified nationwide tracking mechanism for controlled substances, creating vulnerabilities in monitoring movement across manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities. The proposed portal is expected to function as a centralized surveillance framework linking regulators at both central and state levels.
The initiative is also expected to improve traceability and accountability across the supply chain by enabling authorities to monitor procurement, distribution, dispensing patterns, and possible irregularities in near real time. This could help in early identification of diversion and strengthen enforcement actions.
Discussions within the committee reportedly covered legal provisions, implementation pathways, compliance requirements, and interoperability aspects. Parallel monitoring measures such as CCTV surveillance, digital audits, and strengthened documentation systems are also being explored.
The proposal forms part of broader regulatory efforts to curb misuse of prescription medicines and controlled substances, with drugs such as gabapentin and zopiclone reportedly under review for tighter regulatory oversight and possible movement under stricter schedules.
The Medical Bulletin
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