Bengaluru— The Karnataka government’s decision to shut down Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) operating from state-run hospitals has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and pharmacy owners, who argue the move limits access to affordable medicines and disrupts livelihoods.
A government order signed by Sripathi P.K., Chief Secretary (Health and Family Welfare), rejected 31 new applications and stated that existing Kendras within government hospitals will be allowed to expire upon completion of their licence term. Around 200 centres across the state are expected to be affected.
While Kendras located outside hospital campuses will be allowed to continue, the state justified the move by citing its policy of providing free medicines in public hospitals.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, defending the decision on X, said:
“It’s true Janaushadhi provides medicines at a subsidised price, but the Karnataka government provides medicines for free. What’s the need for Janaushadhi within government hospital premises?”
Principal Secretary Harsh Gupta echoed this, adding:
“Government hospitals are expected to offer all medicines free of cost. We’re now ensuring hospitals have the financial support to do this.”
To that end, the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation (KSMSC) has been tasked with procuring generic drugs directly from the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India (BPPI) at negotiated rates.
However, the move has invited sharp opposition. BJP MPs Shobha Karandlaje and Tejasvi Surya criticised the decision as “anti-poor” and detrimental to both patients and small entrepreneurs running the Kendras.
Ashok, President of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra Owners’ Association, warned that many store operators had taken loans to set up their pharmacies.
“In Nelamangala, the shutdown was immediate. In Siddapura, they’ve been given time till June 1. There’s no clarity on compensation or alternative arrangements,” he said.
Gupta, meanwhile, clarified that although no new centres will be approved, existing ones would not be abruptly shut down and would continue until the end of their current term.
As per official policy, government doctors are not permitted to prescribe medicines from outside pharmacies. Instead, hospitals have been directed to source medicines either from BPPI or KSMSC and distribute them free of cost to all patients.
