**Policy Summary: Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) in Karnataka**
This document addresses concerns raised regarding the operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) within Karnataka, specifically: (a) guidelines issued by the Karnataka government prohibiting the opening of new JAKs on government hospital premises, and (b) reported issues with the operational status of existing JAKs, potentially impacting access to affordable medicines for vulnerable populations.
The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers responded to reports of the Karnataka government's decision to close JAKs in government hospitals by sending a letter to the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The letter emphasized the significant cost savings realized by citizens through JAKs, estimated at ₹5,700 crore over the past 10 years, due to the availability of generic medicines priced 50-80% lower than branded alternatives. The letter also highlighted the widespread adoption of JAKs within government health facilities nationwide, with approximately 1,500 JAKs currently operating in such settings. The Minister requested a reconsideration of the decision in order to maintain access to affordable medicines for all citizens.
To ensure consistent medicine availability, the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) manages the supply chain through two regional warehouses located in Bengaluru and Chennai. Additionally, a network of 10 distributors has been established across the southern region to promptly fulfill local JAK needs and maintain a steady supply of Janaushadhi medicines.
Through 1,480 JAKs in Karnataka, over ₹995 crore (Maximum Retail Price) worth of Janaushadhi medicines have been dispensed at affordable prices.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: A ministry within the Government of India responsible for the chemicals and fertilizers sector.
Department of Pharmaceuticals: A department under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs): Generic medicine retail outlets under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) scheme.
Karnataka: A state in India where the operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Government Hospitals is being discussed.
Shri Jagadish Shettar: Member of Parliament who raised a question regarding Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka.
Smt. Anupriya Patel: Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers who provided the answer to the parliamentary question.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI): The implementing agency for the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
Bengaluru: A city in Karnataka, India where a regional warehouse of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India is located.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1135
TO BE ANSWERED ON 25 JULY, 2025
Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Karnataka
1135. Shri Jagadish Shettar:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken note of the guidelines issued by the Government of
Karnataka prohibiting opening of any new Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) on the premises of
the Government Hospitals in the State, if so, the details thereof and remedial steps
taken/proposed to be taken thereon; and
(b) whether the Government has taken note of the pathetic condition of JAKs in the State
which is causing trouble and distress to poor people, if so, the remedial steps being taken in
this regard and to ensure adequate supply of Genuine medicines thereof JAKs to such poor
people?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND
FERTILIZERS
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) and (b): Taking note of reports regarding a decision taken by the State Government of
Karnataka to close Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) in Government hospitals in the State, the
Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers addressed a letter to the Chief Minister of
Karnataka, highlighting that JAKs provide quality generic medicines at rates typically 50%
to 80% cheaper than leading branded medicines in the market, which has resulted in estimated
savings of about ₹5,700 crore to citizens in the State over the last 10 years. It further
highlighted that every State Government has chosen to avail of Janaushadhi medicines
through JAKs set up in Government health facilities, as a result of which about 1,500 JAKs
are today operating from Government health facilities across the country, offering patients
great convenience and an outlet for procuring in case of any shortage of medicines in the
health facility pharmacy. Against this background, the letter sought reconsideration of the
decision in the interest of better securing the availability of quality medicines to all.
To ensure sufficient availability of medicines at all JAKs in the State, the
Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Bureau of India maintains and supplies medicines
procured by it from two regional warehouses at Bengaluru and Chennai. In addition, a strong
network of 10 distributors has been set up across the southern region of the country to meet
the requirement of JAKs at the local level and ensure that Janaushadhi medicines are available
on an ongoing basis at various JAKs to meet the requirements of citizens. As a result, more
than ₹995 crore MRP worth of quality Janaushadhi medicines at affordable prices have been
provided from 1,480 JAKs opened in the State.
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