Computerised Billing Mandatory for Pharmacies Across Jammu & Kashmir

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has reiterated the mandatory implementation of computerised billing systems in pharmacies and other medical sale establishments across the Union Territory, as part of its efforts to strengthen drug regulation and prevent the misuse of pharmaceutical preparations.

The matter was highlighted in a written reply by the Health and Medical Education Department in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2026.

According to the Government's reply, computerised billing has been implemented in approximately 99.9 per cent of medical sale establishments across Jammu and Kashmir. The Government also reported 100 per cent coverage of CCTV installation in such establishments.

The measures are intended to strengthen accountability in the purchase and sale of medicines, maintain reliable transaction records and assist regulatory authorities in identifying irregularities, particularly involving medicines that may be diverted for non-medical use.

The Drugs and Food Control Organisation, J&K, has also listed the installation of CCTV cameras and maintenance of computerised billing systems among the mandatory requirements for the grant and renewal of retail and wholesale drug sale licences.

Importance for pharmacy operators

Computerised billing enables pharmacies to maintain systematic records of medicine purchases and sales. It can assist in tracing transactions, monitoring stock movement and facilitating verification during inspections by Drug Control authorities.

Pharmacy establishments should therefore ensure that their billing systems are functional, transaction records are properly maintained and medicine-sale documentation is readily available for regulatory verification.

The Government has also highlighted coordination between Drug Control authorities, Police, Narcotics Control Bureau and other enforcement agencies to prevent the illegal supply and misuse of intoxicating and psychotropic medicines.

PharmaRemit advisory

All retail and wholesale pharmacy operators in Jammu and Kashmir should review their computerised billing arrangements and ensure continued compliance with the applicable instructions of the Drugs and Food Control Organisation.

Computerised billing should be treated as an essential part of responsible pharmacy management, regulatory compliance and patient safety.

Source: Health and Medical Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported in its Legislative Assembly reply dated February 7, 2026; Drugs & Food Control Organisation, J&K.

Official reference: https://dfcojk.org/