Bengaluru (PTI): BJP MP from Bengaluru South, Tejasvi Surya, on Wednesday said the Karnataka High Court has quashed the government order issued to close down Jan Aushadhi Kendras in government hospitals.

"My law office had challenged this order in court. Congratulations to young advocate Anirudh Kulkarni and his team, who led this fight," he said.

"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 by providing affordable generic medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras in the 10 years," he said in a post on 'X'.

In August this year, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had defended the state government's decision to discontinue Jan Aushadhi Kendras operating within government hospital premises, saying the move was intended to ensure the free and assured supply of essential medicines to patients and to reduce their out-of-pocket expenditure.

Rao's clarification came in response to concerns raised by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding the closure of JAKs within government hospitals in Karnataka.

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Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.

Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.

However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.

"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.

The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.

"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.

With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.

"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."

Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.

"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.

"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."