Chennai: Siddha system of medicine is one of the oldest codified traditions of healthcare originated in the Indian sub-continent with many intricate, novel therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities. The fundamentals and principles largely rely upon Panchabootham, taste and three humours. It enjoys state patronage as part of the officially recognized Ayush systems and caters to considerable proportion of population through public and private health care facilities Ministry of Ayush observes Siddha Day on eve of Agathiyar’s birthday every year, which falls during the Ayilyam star of Margazhi Month. This year, the Fifth Siddha Day celebration on “Strength of Siddha Medicine for Communicable Diseases” has been jointly organized by Central Council for Research in Siddha, National Institute of Siddha and Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu on 23rd December 2021. Prior to this major event, many other Pre-Siddha Day activities have been organized at several other Peripheral Institutes since the last two months. The Participants of the event included esteemed dignitaries, Siddha Doctors, Faculty members and Students from various colleges including Siddha Medical Colleges.
(Venue: Chennai Trade Center, Nandambakkam, 23rd December, 2021)
The auspicious occasion was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Honourable Cabinet Minister, Ministry of Ayush & Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Guests of Honor, Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai Kalubhai, Honorable Minister of State, Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Women and Child Development, Shri. Maa. Subramanian, Honourable Minister of Health & Family Welfare Development, Government of Tamil Nadu, with their esteemed presence. The event was presided over by Dr. Manoj Nesari, Advisor Ayurveda, Shri Pramod Kumar Pathak, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Development, Government of Tamilnadu, Shri. S. Ganesh, Director and Shri. P. Parthibhan, Joint Director, Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu as special invitees.
Prof. Dr. K. Kanakavalli, Director General, Central Council for Research in Siddha welcomed the august gathering of about 1100 delegates.
Ayush minister in his message mentioned, “I am confident that this Siddha Day will pave the way for the resurgence of the age-old tradition of Siddha in the mitigation of diseases and safeguarding the health of people. The Ministry of Ayush is glad to note that all the stake-holders including CCRS, NIS, Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Govt. of Tamil Nadu, educational institutions and NGO’s have joined hands in combating the pandemic in an effective manner. It is worth mentioning that during the year 2020 itself the Govt. of India, under the able leadership of our Hon’ble Prime Minister, had sprung into timely action to confront the ensuing danger. The Ministry of Ayush has further implemented a scheme for distribution of Ayush prophylactic medicines all over the country, free of cost, through various nodal institutions with a view to enhance the immunity of the public at large. I am glad to observe that CCRS and NIS have conducted more than 10 Studies including 3 RCTS and 2 observational studies involving reputed medical colleges of India and have published nearly 30 papers in international peer reviewed Journals. CCRS have filed 2 Patents during the Pandemic for Covid-19. I am also happy to learn that the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu is taking excellent initiatives in the growth and development of this indigenous system of Medicine of the State by providing healthcare through 1079 Siddha Units across the State”.
During his message to the gathering, Ayush minister of state mentioned, “The concepts of Siddha system, which focuses on spiritual, mental and physical well-being, closely resemble the definition of health by the WHO. Integration of the Ayush system with public health systems will improve the public healthcare delivery by providing extended avenues to reach the public at large. I am glad to observe that CCRS has filed ten patents in the last six years and successfully developed the THERAN software which has been implemented for Electronic Data Capturing System for OPD and up scaled as Ayush Hospital Management Information System (A-HMIS) by the Ministry of Ayush. It is also understood that methods for management of chronic diseases such as Cancer, Diabetes, Nephrological disorders, Neurological and Psychiatric disorders are available in Siddha system, that would complement to the modern medical systems by following an integrated approach. I am very glad to know that both NIS and CCRS have provided complementary Siddha treatment to a large number of Covid patients in an integrated manner and the same has been proved highly efficacious”.
Speaking on the occasion, the Special Secretary stated, “The Ministry formed an Interdisciplinary Ayush R&D Task Force having representation from scientists including ICMR, DBT, CSIR, AIIMS, and Ayush Institutions and launched interdisciplinary studies involving Ayush interventions for COVID-19 based on Task force recommendations. Total 184 new ASU & H colleges have been permitted to conduct under graduate and post graduate courses during 2015-20 which includes Siddha medical colleges in Tamil Nadu. The effort has resulted in additional 16824 under-graduate seats and 2258 post graduate seats. I am very happy to learn that Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), the apex organization for Siddha research and National Institute of Siddha (NIS), the premier academic Institute of Siddha are functioning in an excellent manner in propagating and validating the Siddha Medicine across the world”.
Prof. Dr. R. Meenakumari, Director, National Institute of Siddha proposed the Vote of thanks.
Scientific events for encouraging students’ caliber included plenary sessions highlighting on the Strength of Siddha system for Communicable diseases, Integrated Approach in combating COVID-19 pandemic and Integration of Siddha & Biomedicine in Communicable Diseases. Few cultural programs by students ensued and prizes were distributed to the best performers.
