Karnataka High Court Restores Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Relief for Patients, Setback for Government
Court Says Affordable Medicines Cannot Be Restricted
Public Interest Triumphs Over Government Policy Shift
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 11, 2025:
In a landmark ruling, the Karnataka High Court has struck down the state government’s order to close Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) operating within government hospitals. The decision, delivered by Justice M. Nagaprasanna at the Dharwad Bench, comes after petitions challenged the government’s May 14 directive.
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The verdict is seen as a major relief for patients, especially those from low-income groups who rely on Jan Aushadhi Kendras for affordable generic medicines. It also represents a setback for the Siddaramaiah-led administration, which had defended the closures by citing its policy of supplying free medicines directly through hospitals.
Background of the Case
- The Karnataka government issued an order in May 2025 directing the closure of all Jan Aushadhi Kendras inside government hospital premises.
- The Health Department argued that since hospitals already provide free medicines, JAKs were unnecessary.
- Petitioners, including Rakesh Mahalingappa L., challenged the order, stating that JAKs serve a vital role by offering low-cost generic medicines when hospital supplies run short.
- The High Court allowed the petitions and quashed the order, stating: “We will not allow one wing of the government to tinker with medicines being given to the poor, whether free or at nominal price.”
Why Jan Aushadhi Kendras Matter
- Affordable Healthcare: JAKs provide generic medicines at prices 50–90% lower than branded drugs.
- Accessibility: They serve patients when hospital pharmacies run out of stock.
- Public Interest: Vulnerable groups, including below-poverty-line families and fixed-income households, depend on them.
The closure order was criticized as anti-poor and against the spirit of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), a central government initiative to make medicines affordable.
Court’s Observations
- The move was against public interest.
- Patients should not be forced to depend solely on hospital supplies.
- JAKs complement government schemes by ensuring continuous availability of medicines.
- The government cannot restrict access to affordable drugs under the guise of policy changes.
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Political Reactions
- BJP leaders, including MP Tejasvi Surya, hailed the ruling as a victory for patients and PMBJP.
- The Congress-led state government faced criticism for attempting to shut down a scheme that benefits the poor.
- The verdict is expected to spark wider debates on healthcare accessibility and state vs. central policy priorities.
Impact on Patients
- Patients will continue to access low-cost medicines inside government hospitals.
- The ruling ensures that shortages in hospital pharmacies do not leave patients helpless.
- Families struggling with chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer will benefit from uninterrupted access to affordable drugs.
Broader Implications
- Healthcare Policy: The case highlights the need for coordination between state and central schemes.
- Legal Precedent: Courts may intervene when government policies risk harming public interest.
- Public Trust: The ruling strengthens confidence in judicial protection of welfare schemes.
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Conclusion
The Karnataka High Court’s decision to restore Jan Aushadhi Kendras is a victory for patients and public interest. By ensuring that affordable medicines remain accessible, the court has reinforced the principle that healthcare cannot be compromised by administrative decisions.
This ruling is expected to influence future policy debates and strengthen the role of Jan Aushadhi Kendras across India.
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