The Karnataka High Court quashed the state government’s order directing the closure of Jan Aushadhi centres functioning inside government hospital premises, marking a setback for the Siddaramaiah-led administration.

The state’s order to suspend operations was issued on May 14, after the Health Department argued that such centres contradicted the policy of not directing patients to external sources for medicines.

The Dharwad Bench struck down the circular after petitions were filed by Rakesh Mahalingappa L and others.

The ruling comes months after the High Court had stayed the operation of the same government order on July 8.

"The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has helped the poor save over Rs 30,000 crore in medical expenses

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