SHIMLA: A meeting of National Pharmaceutical Advisory Forum was held under the Chairmanship of  Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers at New Delhi Wednesday.

Detailed discussions were held regarding providing medicines at cheap rates to consumers in the meeting.

Dr. Rajiv Bindal, Himachal Pardesh Health Minister advocated the cause of Himachal Pradesh in the meeting and said that doctors should prescribe generic medicines to patients and Maximum Retail Price (MRP) should be mentioned on the medicines.

He said that Government should exercise control over this and common man should get medicines at cheap rates. This suggestion of the Minister was lauded by all and a decision was taken to regulate profit on generic medicines.

Dr. Bindal said that Union Ministry has decided to set up six National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in the country and urged the Union Minister to approve opening of one NIPER in the State as Himachal Pradesh was emerging as a centre for Pharmaceutical industries.

He said that this would provide employment oriented education to the unemployed youth of the State.