Why Did the BJP Target the Congress Government After the HC Reversed the Jan Aushadhi Centre Closure?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka High Court has ruled against the closure of Jan Aushadhi centres.
- BJP leaders argue that these centres are essential for providing affordable medicines.
- The decision emphasizes the importance of accessible healthcare.
- Political tensions between BJP and Congress are at the forefront.
- The PMBJP has saved the poor significant amounts in medical costs.
Belagavi, Dec 11 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has taken aim at the Congress-led state government following a High Court ruling that overturned the government's order to shut down Jan Aushadhi centres located within state-run hospital facilities.
In this case, a bench of the Karnataka High Court, led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, annulled the government's directive to close all Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) or Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs) that operate on government hospital premises.
This ruling came on Wednesday in response to a series of petitions filed by Kendra proprietors and public interest litigants who challenged the government's actions.
The State President of the BJP and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, during a statement in Belagavi on Thursday, remarked, "Jan Aushadhi centres are a boon and a unique initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at assisting the economically disadvantaged in our nation. Here, the underprivileged gain access to affordable medicines. Regrettably, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appears unable to tolerate the widespread approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
"They repeatedly assert that Siddaramaiah represents the 'Ahinda' community. However, Prime Minister Modi, hailing from backward classes, has launched numerous beneficial schemes. The government led by Siddaramaiah has plotted to obstruct one of his initiatives designed to provide low-cost medications to the populace," Vijayendra claimed.
"I am pleased that the High Court has nullified the state government's ban on Jan Aushadhi centres. Through this, I appeal to CM Siddaramaiah to cease his divisive politics and foster a collaborative relationship with the Centre, which would ultimately benefit the citizens and the state," he urged.
Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka stated, "The Karnataka Congress government has consistently acted as an ATM for its higher command, issuing tenders wherever financial gain is possible. Jan Aushadhi centres offer medicines at prices 60 to 70 percent less than market rates. The public has embraced this initiative. Only medicines endorsed by the Centre are available in Jan Aushadhi units."
"These centres do not earn commissions, leading to excuses aimed at undermining the program. The underprivileged need support, and the government should not deceive them. This administration is betraying their trust. It’s all about the commission. The entire administration is engulfed in commission dealings," Ashoka accused.
"They lack the capability to establish new hospitals. This initiative is a Centre-led program, not initiated by private entities. They should have welcomed it and broadened the network of centres," he further added.
BJP National Yuva Morcha President and Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya remarked, "The Karnataka High Court has invalidated the politically charged Government Order that sought to close Jan Aushadhi Kendras in government hospitals."
"This setback for the Congress government should serve as a reminder that political vendettas must never overshadow the public good," he asserted.
The PMBJP has saved the underprivileged over Rs 30,000 crore in medical costs over the past decade by providing affordable generic medications through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, Surya noted.