Lok Sabha Question No. 112 (STARRED), answered on 2026-02-06
Subject: Closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Tejasvi Surya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION No. 112 TO BE ANSWERED ON 6 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## Closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka

## *112. Shri Tejasvi Surya:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of several Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs), functioning within the premises of Government hospitals in Karnataka, being directed to close by the State Health Department;
- (b)  if  so,  the  number  of  such  Kendras  affected  along  with  the  reasons  cited  by  the  State Government for their closure;
- (c) whether the Union Government has taken up the matter with the State Government to seek reconsideration;
- (d) whether the Government is aware of judicial interventions in this regard, including orders of  the  Karnataka  High  Court  staying  or  quashing  such  closure  directions,  if  so,  the  details thereof;
- (e) the steps taken to ensure uninterrupted access to affordable generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) in public health facilities across the country, particularly in high footfall Government hospitals especially in Karnataka; and
- (f) whether the Government proposes to issue uniform guidelines to States to prevent arbitrary disruption of JAKs and safeguard access to affordable medicines, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement referred to in reply to the LOK SABHA STARRED Q. No. 112 for answer on 06.02.2026 raised by Shri Tejasvi Surya, regarding 'Closure of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka'

The Government of India is aware of the order dated 14.05.2025 issued by the State Government of Karnataka which recommended that action be taken to close the Jan Aushadhi Kendras  located  within  Government  Hospital  premises.  Subsequent  to  issuance  of  the aforementioned order, the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka, in its judgment dated 10.12.2025 (WP No. 105933/2025), has quashed the impugned order and consequently,  Jan  Aushadhi Kendras located in Government Hospital premises are permitted to continue their operations.

There are 191 Jan Aushadhi Kendras located within Government Hospital premises in the State of Karnataka, out of which 82 Kendras were being operated by the Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) which is a state owned entity and remaining Kendras are operated by private entrepreneurs. The Kendras being operated by MSIL have stopped purchase of Jan Aushadhi products for sale at their respective stores since November, 2025 while the Kendras operated by private entrepreneurs are continuing their operations.

Subsequently, the State Government of Karnataka has filed an appeal on 14/01/2026 against the impugned judgement and the matter is listed for hearing on 2/04/2026 before the Division bench in Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka.

The matter was taken up at the Ministerial level with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka with a request to reconsider the decision to close Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the State's Public Health facilities to ensure availability of quality medicines for the citizens.

The government has adopted a franchisee model for opening of JAKs by inviting online applications from individual entrepreneurs, NGO, Society, Trust, Firm, Private Company etc. This process facilitates opening of JAKs at private spaces as well as Government Hospitals and Government premises in a similar manner.

In addition to this, the Department of Pharmaceuticals from time to time requests State and Union Territory Governments and district administrations to create awareness about the scheme  and  to  provide  rent-free  space  for  opening  Jan  Aushadhi  Kendras  (JAKs)  in government hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres including those located in block headquarters.

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