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Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has defended the state government’s decision to discontinue Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) located within government hospital premises. The move aims to ensure the free and assured supply of essential medicines to patients, thereby reducing their out-of-pocket expenditure.
The minister’s clarification came following concerns expressed by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda about the closure of these Kendras within state-run hospitals. In a letter to Nadda dated August 5, Rao emphasized Karnataka’s commitment to providing all essential medicines listed in the Essential Medicines List (EML) free of cost across government healthcare institutions.
Rao explained that medicines are routinely supplied to government hospitals through the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL), and hospitals are allocated adequate funds with standing instructions to procure medicines locally in case of shortages. This system is designed to guarantee universal access to essential medicines entirely free of charge for patients visiting government facilities.
The minister justified discontinuing JAK operations within hospital premises by stating that the decision was necessary to prevent doctors from directing patients to buy medicines from these outlets, which could result in patients being denied the complimentary medicines available at the hospitals. However, he clarified that the operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras outside government hospitals remains unrestricted, allowing citizens to access them freely.
Karnataka ranks among the top states in the country in terms of Jan Aushadhi Kendra presence, with over 1,417 Kendras currently functioning statewide. Of these, only 184 are situated within government hospital premises, while the rest operate independently outside hospital campuses. Rao highlighted that this policy primarily benefits poor and marginalized patients who depend heavily on government healthcare.
Further underscoring the affordability of Jan Aushadhi medicines, Rao noted that the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) offers medicines at prices 50 to 80 percent lower than branded alternatives. He urged the Centre to direct the Pharma and Medical Bureau of India (PMBI), which oversees PMBJP, to supply medicines to Karnataka’s Health Department at the same rates as those provided to Jan Aushadhi Kendras. This, he suggested, would strongly support the state’s free drug supply initiative.
Reiterating the state’s dedication to affordable quality healthcare, Rao affirmed ongoing efforts to enhance the public health supply chain and promote rational use of medicines. He concluded by expressing appreciation for the Centre’s concern and reaffirming a shared commitment to public welfare.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information reported by Economic Times and related sources as of August 2025. Readers are advised to consult official communications and government notifications for the latest updates and detailed policies regarding Jan Aushadhi Kendras and public healthcare initiatives in Karnataka.
