Overview

• The High Court’s interim stay nullifies the Karnataka Health Department’s May 14 directive to shut down Jan Aushadhi Kendras in public hospitals.
• Justice Arun granted relief on a batch of 18 petitions filed by Kendras represented by MP Tejasvi Surya and advocate Anirudh Kulkarni.
• Owners argued that abrupt closures would violate their Article 19(1)(g) rights after significant investments in infrastructure, licences and stock.
• The state cited doctor prescriptions for external pharmacies and ordered hospitals to dispense free generics procured through the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India.
• A forthcoming hearing will determine whether the government can replace subsidised outlet sales with free in-hospital pharmacy distribution.