In a landmark move set to bolster India’s pharmaceutical and medical technology sectors, J P Nadda, Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, laid the foundation stone for the NIPER Infrastructure Augmentation project at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad. 

The ceremony was attended by over 50 industry leaders at the CEO/CXO level from the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, alongside NIPER faculty and key government officials.

The Infrastructure Augmentation project is designed to expand NIPER Ahmedabad’s research capabilities, foster industry-academia collaboration, and enhance India’s self-reliance in pharmaceuticals and healthcare technologies.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadda emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening pharmaceutical education and innovation. 

 “This initiative aligns with our vision of making India a global pharmaceutical powerhouse. NIPER Ahmedabad is at the forefront of cutting-edge research, and this infrastructure expansion will enable further advancements in medical technology and drug development”, said Nadda.

An interactive session was also held with key stakeholders from the pharmaceutical and medical device industry after the ceremony. The discussions revolved around fostering industry-academia collaboration, regulatory frameworks, and the role of NIPER Ahmedabad in driving innovation.

The event featured presentations from Director, NIPER Ahmedabad Dr Shailendra Saraf on the Centre of Excellence for Medical Devices, highlighting recent breakthroughs in medtech research.

Rahul Gupta, Vice-chairman and Managing Director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) elaborated on Gujarat’s Bulk Drug Park and its potential to drive pharmaceutical self-sufficiency.

Industry leaders shared their insights on the evolving landscape of pharma and medical technology, discussing policy frameworks, global market expansion, and research funding avenues.

In his keynote address, Nadda outlined the government’s strategy to create a robust ecosystem for pharmaceutical innovation, emphasising the role of institutes like NIPER in bridging the gap between academia and industry. He underscored the importance of skill development, technology adoption, and investment in R&D to propel India’s pharma sector to new heights.

The Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) Amit Agrawal also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the government’s commitment to policy support and funding for research-driven initiatives.

The visit concluded with a tour of NIPER Ahmedabad’s laboratories, where Nadda examined ongoing research projects and interacted with scientists and researchers.

The expansion of NIPER’s infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance its capabilities in drug discovery, medical devices, and biopharmaceutical research.

Bhagwati Prasad