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If you or someone you know depends on affordable medicines from Jan Aushadhi Kendras in government hospitals in Karnataka, you might have heard about a move to close them down. Here’s a simple breakdown of what happened, based on official government records.

What is the Issue?

In May 2025, the Karnataka State Health Department issued an order recommending the closure of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) operating inside government hospital premises. These kendras provide generic medicines at prices 50–90% lower than market rates. The move threatened to disrupt access to affordable healthcare for thousands, especially in government hospitals with high patient footfall.

What Did the Central Government Say?

This issue was raised in Parliament by Shri Tejasvi Surya. The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, provided a detailed reply. Here are the key points:

1. The State’s Order & Court’s Intervention: The central government confirmed awareness of Karnataka’s closure order dated 14.05.2025. However, the Karnataka High Court, on 10th December 2025, quashed this order. The court’s judgment allowed all Jan Aushadhi Kendras within government hospital premises to continue operating.
2. The Numbers & the Real Impact: There are 191 Jan Aushadhi Kendras within government hospitals in Karnataka.
   • 82 of these are run by Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL), a state-owned company.
   • The remaining are run by private entrepreneurs.
   • While the court allowed operations to continue, MSIL-run kendras stopped purchasing Jan Aushadhi medicines from November 2025. Kendras run by private entrepreneurs are still functioning.
3. The Legal Battle Isn’t Over: The Karnataka State Government has filed an appeal (on 14th January 2026) against the High Court’s judgment. The next hearing is scheduled for 2nd April 2026 before a Division Bench of the High Court.
4. Central Government’s Stance: The Union Minister took up the matter directly with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, requesting a reconsideration of the closure decision to ensure citizens’ access to quality, affordable medicines.

Why Does This Matter to the Common Person?

Jan Aushadhi Kendras are a critical part of India’s public health infrastructure. They make essential treatments affordable for middle and low-income families. Closing them within high-footfall government hospitals would force patients to buy costlier medicines from outside, defeating the purpose of accessible public healthcare.

What is the Government Doing to Protect These Kendras?

According to the Minister’s statement:

• The franchisee model encourages individuals, NGOs, and entrepreneurs to open kendras, including within government hospitals.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals regularly urges state governments to provide rent-free space in hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres for these kendras.
• The central government is aware of the need for uninterrupted access and is engaging with states to prevent arbitrary disruption.

The Current Status (As of Feb 2026)

As of now, the kendras can legally operate thanks to the High Court order. However, the appeal by the state government means the issue is still unresolved. The functioning of MSIL-run stores remains affected as they have stopped stocking medicines.

In a Nutshell:

A state government order to close affordable medicine shops inside its hospitals was halted by the High Court. The central government supports the continuation of these shops. The final decision now rests with the judiciary, with the next hearing in April 2026. For now, most kendras (especially privately run ones) remain open, but the situation highlights the fragile balance between state policies and a citizen’s right to affordable healthcare.

For the common citizen, this episode underscores the importance of the Jan Aushadhi scheme and why its presence within government hospital campuses is vital for truly affordable healthcare.