Health Minister Defends Closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Government Hospitals

Health Minister Defends Closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Government Hospitals

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, May 18, 2025: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has justified the state government’s decision to discontinue Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating within government hospital premises, stating that the focus must shift to providing free medicines to patients directly through government facilities.

“Medicines must be provided free of cost to patients within the premises of government hospitals. Accordingly, steps are being taken to ensure that in-house pharmacy services function actively and efficiently,” the minister said.

As part of this policy overhaul, the government has rejected 31 proposals seeking approval to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras within government hospital campuses.

To facilitate the distribution of free generic medicines, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (KSMSCL) has been instructed to negotiate special pricing with the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), a central government entity. This arrangement will enable hospitals to procure medicines directly from BPPI and distribute them to patients at no cost.

Minister Gundu Rao also called on the public to utilize the free medicines provided by government-run dispensaries located within hospital premises, urging them to reduce dependency on private pharmacies.