Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 18: The Karnataka government has decided to close down the centrally-sponsored Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating within government hospital premises across the state. The health department has been instructed to terminate the agreements with these outlets.

Why the closure?
The decision comes in line with the state government’s policy prohibiting doctors in government hospitals from prescribing branded medicines that need to be purchased from outside. The government wants to ensure that patients are not directed to buy medicines externally under any circumstance.

Since the Jan Aushadhi Kendras, located within government hospital compounds, allow such external prescriptions, their operation goes against the state’s policy. Hence, the government has decided to shut down these outlets in hospital premises.

New applications put on hold
The state government has also instructed the health department not to approve 31 pending applications for Jan Aushadhi Kendras that are currently under review. Moreover, the government plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the policy on setting up these centres.

Will other Jan Aushadhi Kendras remain open?
Yes. According to the government’s clarification, Jan Aushadhi Kendras that are located outside government hospital premises do not come under the purview of the health and family welfare department and will continue functioning as usual.

Procurement from BPPI
To ensure continued supply of generic medicines, the government has directed state-run hospitals to procure medicines directly from the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) at specially negotiated rates through KSMCL. These medicines will then be distributed free of cost to patients.