The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPHPM), The Commissionerate of Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (CIM&H), and the National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai, have formalized a collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16.07.2025 to jointly promote Integrative Healthcare across the state. This initiative aims to bridge the strengths of modern medicine with the rich heritage of Indian System of Medicine.
The MoU was jointly signed by Tmt. K. Vijayalakshmi, IAS., Commissioner, DIM&H, Dr. T. S. Selvavinayagam, Director, DPHPM and Dr. G. Senthilvel, Director i/c, NIS.
A team comprising of Dr. A. Somasundaram, Additional Director, Dr. K. Cheran, Additional Director, Dr. P. Samapath, Additional Director, Dr. Vijayalaksmi, Additional Director, Dr. K.Vinay Kumar, Joint Director, Dr. S. Senthil Kumar, Joint Director, Dr. Shanmughasundaram, Joint Director, Dr. M. Senthil Kumar, Joint Director, Dr. Kanagabala, Health Officer, Prof. Dr. G. J. Christian, Dean ( Research), NIS, Prof. Dr. P. Shanmugapriya, NIS, Dr. B. R. Senthil kumar, NIS, Dr. I. Sangeetha, NIS took part in signing the MoU and in making deliberations.
CIM&H is a government body responsible for the regulation, promotion, education, and integration of traditional Indian systems of medicine—such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy—into public health care.
DPHPM has been a key pillar in delivering quality, evidence-based healthcare services across Tamil Nadu, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
NIS, a Centre of excellence under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India is a premier institution for Siddha education, research and patient care in Siddha medicine.
The collaboration seeks to generate scientific evidence through clinical and field-level trials of Siddha formulations, strengthen public health research, and promote joint implementation of health programs. This partnership reflects the Government’s vision of promoting holistic, inclusive, and accessible healthcare. By integrating validated Siddha practices into the public health system, the state aims to provide affordable and culturally rooted healthcare options to its people.
