Karnataka Redirects Healthcare Strategy: Free Medicines Over Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Karnataka's Health Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, defended the state government's decision to discontinue Jan Aushadhi Kendras in public hospitals. He stated this step ensures patients receive essential medications free of cost directly from government facilities, reducing their financial burden.

Rao's clarification follows a letter from Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, voicing concerns over the closure of these Kendras. Rao emphasized that the decision supports Karnataka's commitment to freely supply essential medicines, as per the Essential Medicines List, across all government health institutions.

The move is designed to streamline healthcare delivery and prevent instances where patients might be directed to purchase medicines externally, thus guaranteeing universal access to necessary treatments within government premises. Rao assured that the operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras outside government facilities would continue unaffected.

(With inputs from agencies.)