New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Monday passed the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Bill 2021, which amends the 1998 law to provide for a Council to coordinate activities among the institutes and also ensure development of pharmaceutical education and research standards.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that a total 24 members participated and everyone gave good suggestions. Today there are 8,500 stores, and more than 600 types of medicines and 56 medical equipment.

He also said that the government has decided to make four Pharma parks with the investment of Rs 1,000 crore each for API manufacturing units. On the amendments, Mandaviya said the National Council will act as the advisory panel for the Boards of Governors of all NIPERs.