Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health and Family Welfare, virtually inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati, Assam, in a significant development for the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Additionally, he laid the foundation stones for NIPER Hyderabad and NIPER Raebareli, marking a step towards a self-reliant India in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sector. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for over 80 units of health infrastructure across seven Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers & New and Renewable Energy; Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam; Prof. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura; Keshab Mahanta, Health Minister of Assam; Lalrinpuii, Health Minister of Mizoram, along with MPs and MLAs from the Northeast region.
NIPERs and India's Progress
Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in making NIPERs a cornerstone for a self-reliant India in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sector. With over 8,000 successful graduates and more than 380 patents, NIPERs are playing a pivotal role in advancing technical and higher education across the nation.
Healthcare Vision for NIPERs
Emphasizing the broader impact of NIPERs, Dr. Mandaviya stressed their role in promoting overall human health and well-being nationally and globally. NIPER Guwahati, with a project cost of Rs. 157 Crores, stands as a testament to the government's commitment to a progressive Northeast and a unified nation.
Government's Commitment to Northeast Development
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the Northeast, exemplified by initiatives like 'Act East' and 'Vibrant Village.' The government's focus on education, health, connectivity, and employment has led to transformative changes in the region.
Advancements in Healthcare Infrastructure
Under the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and the National Health Mission (NHM), the Northeast has witnessed significant progress in healthcare infrastructure. With a total allocation of over 725 Cr across 80 units, the government aims to create a robust and resilient healthcare system in the region.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector
Dr. Mandaviya and Bhagwanth Khuba emphasized the efforts to strengthen India's dominance in the pharmaceutical sector. Initiatives like the creation of bulk drug parks and the launch of the PLI scheme in the pharma and MedTech sector are geared towards reducing dependence on imported APIs and medical devices.
Political leaders, including Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prof. Manik Saha, acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership, highlighting the rise of new research possibilities in the pharmaceutical and medical device sector in Assam and the Northeast region. The newly inaugurated infrastructure is expected to catalyze advancements in research and innovation, benefiting not only the Northeast but the entire nation.
