The National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai inaugurated an Outpatient Clinic on 02 March 2018 at Kothimangalam Village, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Kancheepuram District, located about 50 km from NIS.
The clinic was established to extend Siddha healthcare services to the public, with special focus on the tribal population of the area. The clinic also facilitates referral of patients requiring inpatient care to Ayothidoss Pandithar Hospital, NIS, Chennai.
Doctor consultation and medicines are provided free of cost to the tribal population. Other members of the public may also avail the services by paying ₹15 for the outpatient book and ₹5 for subsequent visits. The clinic functions from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. on all days except Sundays.
The inaugural function was held on 02 March 2018 at 10.00 a.m. Prof. Dr. V. Bhanumathi, Director, NIS, welcomed the dignitaries and the public, and acknowledged the support extended by the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, and the Government of Tamil Nadu for establishing the clinic in the tribal area.
Smt. Maragatham Kumaravel, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Kancheepuram Constituency, participated as the Chief Guest and inaugurated the clinic. She highlighted the relevance of Siddha medicine and encouraged the local population, especially the tribal community, to make full use of the healthcare services provided by NIS.
Shri Otem Dai, IAS, Principal Secretary, Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, presided over the function. He appreciated the initiative of providing healthcare services closer to the tribal population and assured necessary support from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Shri V. P. Jayaseelan, IAS, Sub Collector, Chengalpattu, suggested that mobile healthcare services may also be extended periodically to interior tribal areas. Prof. Dr. V. Bhanumathi noted the suggestion and stated that operating a mobile clinic for interior tribal areas was already under the action plan of NIS.
Dr. D. Joan Felicita, Senior Civil Surgeon, Taluk Hospital, Thirukazhukundram; Dr. S. Ayyachamy, District Siddha Medical Officer, Kancheepuram District; Shri K. Rajan, Deputy Director (Marketing), Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Shri S. M. Murugan, Deputy Director (Administration), NIS, also addressed the gathering. Dr. N. J. Muthukumar, Hospital Superintendent, NIS, proposed the vote of thanks. The function concluded with the National Anthem.
