Bengaluru: In a controversial and shocking move, the Karnataka Congress government has decided to prohibit the establishment of central government public medicine centers (Janaushadhi Kendras) within the premises of state government hospitals. The decision has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from BJP MP Tejaswi Surya, who has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order.
Tejaswi Surya, the Bengaluru South MP, took to social media to express his dismay, calling the decision “shocking” and warning that it would disproportionately impact poor families who rely on affordable medication. “The state government’s decision not to allow Janaushadhi Kendras in government hospital premises is deeply troubling. These centers provide essential medicines at a 70-90 per cent discount, and their removal will create immense hardship for economically disadvantaged families,” Surya wrote.
According to Surya, Karnataka currently hosts 189 Janaushadhi Kendras within hospital premises, with the Bengaluru South Lok Sabha constituency having the highest concentration of such centers in the country. He noted that in Bengaluru South alone, over 2 lakh citizens benefit from these centers each month, resulting in savings of approximately Rs. 2 crore every month for these families.
The MP accused the state government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of making a politically motivated decision that would hurt the state’s poorest residents. “This is a move that prioritizes politics over people’s welfare. I strongly urge the state government to reconsider and revoke this decision to continue serving the public,” Surya demanded.
In response to the criticism, Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash Patil addressed the media, defending the government’s stance. Patil suggested that while the concept of offering affordable medicines through Janaushadhi Kendras is beneficial, the placement of these centers within government hospital premises is unnecessary.
“Government hospitals already provide all necessary medicines free of cost to patients. In such a context, opening additional public medicine centers within hospital premises seems redundant. These centers would be better placed in market areas where there is a genuine need for affordable medicine options,” Patil explained.
The minister further argued that allowing such centers within hospital premises could create logistical and operational challenges, suggesting that medicines not available in hospitals are already provided free of charge.
However, the decision has not been well-received by many, particularly those who view the Janaushadhi Kendras as a critical lifeline for low-income families. Critics argue that the government hospitals often face shortages of medicines, and the Janaushadhi Kendras help fill this gap, ensuring that patients can access necessary medications at affordable prices.
The controversy is likely to escalate as opposition parties and public groups rally against the state government’s decision. The fate of the Janaushadhi Kendras in Karnataka’s government hospital premises remains uncertain as the state government faces mounting pressure to reverse its decision.
