In a significant stride towards bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Northeast India, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the permanent campus of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Guwahati, Assam, while also laying the foundation stones for NIPER Hyderabad and NIPER Raebareli. The virtual ceremony marked a crucial step in realizing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sector.
The dedication of five new facilities in the Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Science (RIPANS) in Aizawl, Mizoram, further underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the region. Dr. Mandaviya also initiated the construction of over 80 units of health infrastructure in seven Northeastern states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. This effort is part of the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), and the National Health Mission (NHM).
Dignitaries present at the occasion included Shri Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers & New and Renewable Energy; Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam; Prof. Manik Saha, Chief Minister, Tripura; Shri Keshab Mahanta, Health Minister, Assam; Smt. Lalrinpuii, Health Minister, Mizoram, along with Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly representatives from the Northeast region.
“Expressing his enthusiasm, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the pivotal role of NIPERs in realizing the government’s vision, becoming a bridge connecting knowledge, education, research, and business in the pharmaceutical and MedTech sectors. He acknowledged the significant contributions of NIPERs, with over 8,000 students graduating and more than 380 patents registered under their name”.
NIPER Guwahati, spanning multiple buildings and centers of excellence across 60 acres, stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to a progressive Northeast and a unified nation. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that NIPERs will integrate research, training, and manpower creation, contributing to the global standing of the Pharma Industry.
“Underlining the government’s dedication to Northeast development, Dr. Mandaviya praised Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to the region, emphasizing the transformative ‘Act East’ policy. He highlighted the comprehensive initiatives, including Vibrant Village and schemes for the North East and Himalayan regions, addressing issues related to education, health, connectivity, and employment”.
The Union Health Minister also discussed the substantial progress made under the Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) and NHM, with a total allocation of over 725 Cr across 80 units. These initiatives aim to create a robust and resilient healthcare system, catering to the evolving needs of the population in the Northeast.
Dr. Mandaviya concluded by stating that the new health facilities in the Northeast will not only provide treatment but also offer training and employment opportunities, ushering in progress for the region. He commended Assam’s initiative in establishing a grid of Cancer Treatment Centers, bringing significant benefits to the entire North East.
Shri Bhagwanth Khuba echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives in line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas.” He highlighted the government’s focus on the health sector and the role of NIPERs in creating a skilled workforce.
The Union Minister also shed light on efforts to strengthen India’s dominance in the pharmaceutical sector, reduce dependence on imported APIs and medical devices, and launch of the PLI scheme in the pharma and MedTech sector. Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prof. Manik Saha applauded the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, emphasizing the transformative impact of these initiatives on healthcare and research in the pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors in the Northeast region.
