HUBBALLI: A private clinic in Dharwad has reportedly advised citizens to exercise caution while buying medicines from Jan Aushadhi outlets - state-run units where drugs are sold at affordable prices for the poor - raising a debate on the efficacy of the medicines.A photograph of the notice board at Chetana Diabetes , Foot Care and Thyroid Clinic and Lab is doing the rounds on social media. The notice reads: "When you take Jana Aushadhi or any other substituted medicines, you shall be doing so at your own risk. Do not argue with your doctor if you don't get desired results."Jan Aushadhi, launched a decade ago and significantly expanded two years ago, is a big hit among all sections of society. The message from the Dharwad clinic has set alarm bells ringing, with a citizen writing to the Prime Minister's Office about what he called a propaganda against affordable medicines.Dharwad health officer Dr Rajendra M Doddamani called the incident a first in the district and promised to seek legal opinion. The clinic's proprietor, Dr Sandhya S Kulkarni, could not be reached for comment.Keshav Nadkarni, from Hubballi's Navanagar who has shared the photograph of the notice on his Facebook wall and sent a query to the PMO, called it a conspiracy by pharmaceutical companies and doctors. He said he used to shell out Rs 100 for a strip of tablets to fight diabetes, but he now pays just Rs 7 for the same at Jan Aushadhi.Surgeon and health activist Dr Gopal Dabade said no doctor should declare Jan Aushadhi medicines ineffective without bringing it to the notice of the drug controller. The surgeon said medicines reach Jan Aushadhi stores only after a competent authority gives quality clearance. "Affordable medicines to all is a flagship programme of the Union government, which is now asking drugstores to create space for affordable drugs too," he added.

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