Shanghai introduces facial recognition drug collection terminals to combat abuse by patients and pharmacists

New terminals being trialled at 31 health care organisations require people buying controlled medicines to verify their identities through face scans. The system is expected to prevent potential abusers from obtaining prescription medicines and turning them into materials for illegal drugs. — SCMP

Shanghai has begun rolling out a drug collection terminal equipped with facial recognition technology for people buying certain medicines at pharmacies and hospitals in an effort to stem abuse.

At the new terminals, pharmacists and buyers of controlled medicines – such as those containing sedatives and psychotropic substances – will be asked to verify their identities by scanning their faces, according to local reports on Jan 15.