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INDIAN MEDICINE AND HOMOEOPATHY

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Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) regained its importance due to the concerted efforts put in by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The Government has attached special importance to the growth and development of Siddha System, which is part and parcel of Tamil culture. The experience gained in the past, from documentation of many achievements of ISM has helped a lot to suggest many improvements. The Indian Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy Department (ISMHD) is a developing department extending its facilities throughout the State. It deals with teaching as well as provision of health care in five systems of medicine: (i.e.) 1) Siddha 2) Ayurveda 3) Unani? 4)Homoeopathy? and 5)Yoga & Naturopathy. The strategy in ISM sector is to restore the credibility and legitimacy of these systems by emphasizing on research, education and product standardization and increasing the outreach of these systems by effectively complementing? the efforts of the modern side in making available health services to the common man.

Health Care

??????????? The Government of Tamil Nadu is taking all efforts to provide one ISM practitioner in every PHC in a? phased manner. The ISM and the modern system of medicine can play complementary roles. Based on this policy standpoint, the Government had sanctioned 50 ISM wings in the year 2002-2003, 25 wings in 2003-2004, and 35 wings in 2004-2005 in PHCs. This year also, the Government has proposed to sanction 35 wings at PHCs. Therefore, ISM practitioners will be available in 426 PHCs including the 35 wings proposed for the year 2005-2006.

Education

The Central Councils have implemented various educational regulations to ensure minimum standards of education. The strategy on education and training facilities in ISM is two-pronged. (i.e.) The Government itself has started Medical Colleges of ISM. Private colleges are also allowed so long as they conform to the required standards. The annual intake for the Graduate Course in Indian Medicine under the Government colleges and Private colleges are 236 and 790 respectively. The Post Graduate Course is offered only in the System of Siddha in Government Colleges and the annual intake is 80. The Courses and the intake offered by these institutions are detailed below:

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Research

??????????? The research areas would be prioritized keeping in view the strength of the systems and contemporary relevance giving due emphasis on preventive and promotive aspects. The approach therefore is to forge alliances with other institutions. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with Madras University to have collaborative work.

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Standardisation

??????????? ISM? is of great antiquity. The State Pharmacies? are being modernized at a cost of Rs. 130 lakhs provided by the Government of India. The pharmacy attached to TAMPCOL is being modernized. Similarly, the State drug testing laboratory at Chennai has also been well equipped and will pave the way for standardization of ISM drugs so that quality is ensured.

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Medical Treatment

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??????????? All the District Hospitals, Taluk Hospitals and Non-Taluk Hospitals have provision of treatment under Indian Systems of Medicine. The Drug expenditure which was Rs.4.11 crores in 2000-2001 has increased to Rs.8.18 crores in 2003-2004.

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National Institute of Siddha

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?The National Institute of Siddha established at Tambaram is a joint venture of Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu. It is established with the objective of imparting? Post Graduate education in Siddha system and to provide medical care through Siddha system of medicine. This premier Institution being developed at a cost of Rs.47 crores will promote and propagate the science and art of Siddha.

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TAMPCOL

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The authorized share capital of Tampcol is Rs.50.00 lakhs and its present paid-up share capital is Rs. 20.75 Lakhs. The Corporation has started paying dividend to the Government from 1998-99 onwards. TAMPCOL has paid a sum of Rs.3.11 lakhs as dividend at the rate of 15% to Government for the year 2002-2003 and Rs. 4.15 lakhs? at the rate of 20 %? for the year 2003-2004 .

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TAMPCOL earned a profit of Rs.46.19 lakhs during 2001-2002, Rs.93.55 lakhs for the year 2002-2003 and Rs. 110.88 lakhs during 2003-2004.

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New Scheme for 2005-2006

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1)????? Purchase of 32 Computers for Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai and all District Siddha Medical Officer’s Offices, and provision of telephone and internet facility to 4 places at a total cost of Rs.18.40 lakhs.

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2)???? Upgradation of the facilities at the Indian Systems of Medicine and?????? Homoeopathy Colleges?? at a total cost of Rs.220.80 lakhs.

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3)???? Staff for Drug Testing Laboratory at Arignar Anna Government Hospital of Indian Medicine, Chennai? at a total cost of Rs.1.95 lakhs.

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4)????? Opening of Indian systems of Medicine wings in 35 Primary Health Centres at a total cost of Rs.119.00 lakhs.

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