MP opposes State govt. decision to close down PM Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras

The Hindu

22-05-2025

Condemning the decision of State government to close down Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras operating from State-run hospitals, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta said on Thursday, May 22, that with this the Congress government is playing with the life of poor people.
Capt. Chowta said in a statement that Janaushadhi Kendras have emerged as a successful model by ensuring affordable and quality medicine to lakhs of people, especially to poor people, at low cost. 'The State government has decided to close down over 200 Janaushadhi Kendras operating on the premises of primary and community health centres and taluk and district hospitals across the State by citing a lame excuse,' he said.
The kendras played a pivotal role in generating self-employment and providing jobs to others. They contributed for strengthening the economy of the country. The State government's decision will hit the future of many families, he said and alleged: 'It (the government's decision) is a clear example of Congress government's anti-people stand.'
Capt. Chowta, who is also the State secretary of the BJP, said that generic medicines are available at low cost ranging between 70 % to 90 % at the kendras.
'Whether the State government has bowed to the lobby of corporate pharmaceutical companies or private medical shops or if the government is unable to tolerate the Union government and Prime Minister as the kendras have become popular among people,' he asked.
'Whether the government is playing cheap politics even in the matters like people's health?,' Capt. Chowta questioned.
The MP said that he opposed the government's decision and was urging the State to withdraw its order.
It may be mentioned here that a Government Order (GO) issued on May 14 directed the Health Commissionerate to reject the 31 pending applications seeking approval to open Jan Aushadhi Kendras. With regard to the existing kendras on hospital premises, the department has been directed to terminate the agreement depending on the timelines mentioned in the memorandum of understanding.
According to the government, its decision is to ensure patients get free medicine in State-run hospitals following complaints that patients are being given prescriptions to buy medicine from outside although they are supposed to be provided free by government hospitals. Hospitals have been directed to purchase generic medicines from the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Units of India (BPPI) and dispense them to patients for free.