Odisha’s case for pharma excellence

Odisha has reached a decisive point in its higher education and industrial development trajectory. While the State has steadily expanded its technical and professional education base, it remains without a nationally significant institution capable of anchoring advanced pharmaceutical education and research. The absence of a National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) continues to limit Odisha’s ability to fully realise its pharmaceutical potential.

The demand for a NIPER in Odisha is neither new nor opportunistic. Since 2012, academic stakeholders and professional bodies, including the Odisha Pharmaceutical Industries Forum (OPIF) and the Indian Pharmaceutical Graduates’ Association (IPGA), have consistently pursued this objective. The proposal was formally placed before the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers during Mr Srikant Jena’s tenure as Minister, and the case was articulated at the national level. Subsequently, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik conveyed the State’s readiness to the Centre, assuring institutional support and the availability of suitable infrastructure.

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Odisha’s claim rests not merely on precedent but on proven capacity. The State has a long tradition of nurturing pharmaceutical education, with roots tracing back to the 17th century, and today hosts a substantial network of pharmacy institutions that collectively produce thousands of diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate graduates each year. Yet, the absence of a research-intensive national institution such as a NIPER has led to a sustained migration of talent to other States for advanced training and research. This continuing loss of human capital weakens local research ecosystems, limits meaningful industry academia collaboration, and constrains the growth of innovation driven pharmaceutical enterprises within Odisha.

A NIPER in Odisha would address these structural gaps. It would strengthen postgraduate and doctoral education, expand pharmaceutical and translational research, and facilitate closer linkages between academic institutions and industry. Importantly, it would also help correct regional imbalances in the distribution of national research institutions. Eastern India remains under- served in pharmaceutical education and innovation despite its growing industrial and human resource base, and Odisha is well positioned to serve as a regional anchor. Recent developments have added momentum to this long standing demand. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the Central Government to consider the establishment of a NIPER in Odisha, citing the State’s expanding educational ecosystem and strategic importance.

The Centre’s decision to provide budgetary support for three new NIPERs under the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative further strengthens the case for Odisha, particularly in the context of the government’s stated objective of strengthening eastern India’s contribution to national growth. At the State level, the current government has reiterated its intent to develop Odisha as a pharmaceutical and healthcare hub through policy support and research-led growth. The State Health Minister has informed the Legislative Assembly that suitable land has been proposed at the State capital for the establishment of a NIPER, signalling administrative preparedness. The moment for deliberation has passed; what Odisha now requires is decisive action. With sustained advocacy, demonstrated preparedness, political consensus, and clear national relevance, the case for establishing a NIPER in Odisha is both compelling and complete.

The Central Government must seize this opportunity to translate intent into implementation by approving and expediting the establishment of a NIPER in the state. Doing so would not only honour long-standing commitments but also unlock eastern India’s pharmaceutical potential, retain and nurture local talent, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in healthcare and life sciences. A NIPER in Odisha would stand as a powerful testament to inclusive development, where policy vision meets purposeful execution. What remains is timely and decisive action at the Centre.

With institutional readiness, political consensus, and national relevance firmly established, the case for a NIPER in Odisha is difficult to overlook. Approving and expediting the establishment of such an institution would not only honour long-standing commitments but also unlock eastern India’s pharmaceutical potential, retain and nurture local talent, and strengthen India’s self-reliance in healthcare and life sciences. A NIPER in Odisha would stand as a powerful testament to inclusive development, where policy vision meets purposeful execution.

(The writer is Principal, Dadhichi College of Pharmacy.)