Origin of Siddha Medicine
Siddha system is one of the oldest systems of medicine in India. The term Siddha means achievements and Siddhars were saintly persons who achieved results in medicine. Eighteen Siddhars were said to have contributed towards the development of this medical system. Siddha literature is in Tamil and it is practiced largely in Tamil speaking part of India and abroad. The Siddha System is largely therapeutic in nature.
Siddha & Ayurveda
Similar to Ayurveda, going back to several centuries with its origin, Siddha too is quite old as Ayurveda. The Indian civilization in the North i.e. Aryans practiced Ayurveda, while the Dravidian’s in the south practiced Siddha. Like Ayurveda, this system believes that all objects in the universe including human body are composed of five basic elements namely, earth, water, fire, air and sky. The food, which the human body takes and the drugs it uses are all, made of these five elements. The proportion of the elements present in the drugs vary and their preponderance or otherwise is responsible for certain actions and therapeutic results.
Siddha Education
The Central council of Indian Medicine regulates the education of Siddha system in the country. Within the council, there is a separate education committee for this system. The education committee is charged to deal with all matters pertaining to Siddha education including the development of a detailed curriculum and syllabus both at under-graduate levels.
Siddha Courses
- Bachelor of Siddha Medicine & Sciences – BSMS – 5 ½ years
- MD – Siddha Medicine – 3 years
Eligibility
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Botany and Zoology as options. The Candidates should have studied in Tamil Medium up to 10th Standard or any Higher Secondary Examination.
Colleges
Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, 69, Anna Salai, Guindy, Chennai 600 032, offers the 4 year BSMS course at the following colleges in Tamil Nadu.
- Govt. Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai – 627002, Tamil Nadu.
- Govt.Siddha Medical College, Arumbakkam, Chennai – 600106, Tamil Nadu.
- Sri Sai Ram Siddha Medical College, Sriperumputhur, Tamil Nadu.
- Velu Mailu Siddha Medical College, Sriperumputhur, Tamil Nadu.
- A.T.S.V.S. Siddha Medical College Munchirai Distt. Kanyakumari, T. N.
In kerala, BSMS is offered by Kerala University
- Shri Shantigiri Siddha Medical College , Koliyakode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
National Institute of Siddha
Affiliated to Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, National Institute of Siddha was started to produce best quality physicians, Teachers and Researchers of Siddha, a primary institute for conducting PG courses in 6 specialties of Siddha as mentioned below:
- Siddha Maruthuvam – Pothu (General Medicine).
- Gunapadam (Pharmacology).
- Sirappu Maruthuvam (Special Medicine).
- Pillaippini Maruthvam (Paediatrics).
- Noi nadal (Pathology).
- Nanju nool (Toxicology) .
The first batch of this institute started in the year 2004-05. The intake is only 5 students in each of the six branches.
Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM)
The SHANMUGHA Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Deemed University, Thanjavur, India has established an autonomous Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM) to recognize and identify the raw materials and also evaluate geochemistry, mineralogy, structure-activity relationship, etc., used in the traditional system of medicine. For more details, log on to http://www.sastra.edu/scbio/carism/index.asp
Job Prospects
After completion of graduation in BSMS, one can
- Start practicing with private clinics, hospitals & other health centers.
- Join Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM) as a Research fellow.
- Teaching undergraduate students.
- Learn certain practices of Ayurveda and increase options of offering medication.
- Opportunities both in State Government & Central Government health departments & hospitals.
Originally Written by Mr. Ameen-E-Mudassar for the Milli Gazette, Dated On 16 May 2006.
