Bangalore, June 20 (IBNS) The first generic drug store in Karnataka will be opened by Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda at Victoria Hospital on Thursday.

The initiative by the state government and Karnataka State Cooperative Consumer Federations, is expected to make 400 life-saving drugs cheaper by 50%.

Janatha Bazaar generic drug stores will be opened at all hospitals coming under the medical education department.

“Such stores will be opened at hospitals to serve the needs of the poor and middle income group. We are going to cover more than 400 types of drugs,” state minister for medical education SA Ramadas was quoted as saying by DNA.

“Top manufactures have already agreed to provide branded drugs at 50% concession. It will help the public in a big way as we will be providing life-saving drugs at these stores. People are advised to make better use of this,” he said.

According to reports, the state government will soon issue an order instructing all government doctors to prescribe only generic drugs.