Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday appealed to Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda to establish a National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in Odisha, citing its potential to bolster the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in Eastern India.
In a letter to Nadda, the Sambalpur MP underscored the unique advantages Odisha offers for such an initiative.
He highlighted the Odisha Bio-Tech Park in Bhubaneswar as Eastern India’s first-of-its-kind facility, equipped with critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, effluent treatment, and other essential amenities to support biotechnology industries.
Pradhan described this park as an ideal location for the proposed NIPER.
The Minister stressed that the establishment of NIPER in Odisha would address existing gaps in pharmaceutical education and research, foster innovation, and develop a skilled workforce.
He emphasized the institute’s potential to enhance India’s global competitiveness in the pharmaceutical sector.
Pradhan further noted that the presence of NIPER in Odisha would align with the production-linked incentive scheme for the pharmaceutical sector and contribute to the broader goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Urging swift action, Pradhan expressed confidence that Odisha’s strategic location and resources make it an optimal choice for advancing pharmaceutical education and research in the country.
