Country's 6th NIPER opened at Guwahati

Guwahati, Sep 16 (UNI) Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today inaugurated the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) here, the sixth of its kind in the country and first in the Northeast.

The NIPER, declared an 'Institute of National Importance', would initially run in the premises of the Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), with the Assam government providing 100 acres of land at North Guwahati for its permanent campus.

To be set up with an investment of Rs 200-250 crore, the campus would be completed within three years. Altogether 20 students would study in two courses-- MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology and M Pharma in Pharmacy Parctice in the initial years, with the total student intake to reach 600 in several other courses, including doctorate level courses.

Mr Paswan, formally inaugurating the NIPER, expressed optimisim that it would be able to help in fighting the menace of spurious and counterfeit drugs in the country.

He also urged for a greater role of the Insitute in research activities for developing new and more efficient medicines.

With the Indian pharma industry boosting of a size of US$ 18 billion annually and exports of US$ 6.7 billion (figures for 2007-08), it is ranked third globally in terms of volume and 14th in terms of value.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, attending the inaugural function as the chief guest, thanked the Central government for awarding the NIPER to the state.

Union Minister of State BK Handique also assured of the Centre's as well as state's help in ensuring all facilities to the NIPER, which would help fight spurious drugs market in NE as well as provide employment.

Assam Health Minister Dr HB Sharma, Ashok Kumar, Secreatry, department of pharmaceuticals, Dr MM Deka, Principal, GMCH, PC Sharma, Chief Secreatry, Assam, were among the dignitaries present.

UNI SG KK RL RAI1946