The Government Siddha Medical College, Palayamkottai, was established in the year 1964 as per G.O.Ms.No. 2372, Health and Family Welfare Department, dated 13.11.1964, with the objective of imparting education in Siddha medicine.

Subsequently, as per G.O.Ms.No. 451, the Institutional Pharmacy was established in the year 1966. The Institutional Pharmacy functions in accordance with the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945, holding valid license and GMP certification.

At present, the Drug Manufacturing Unit manufactures more than 100 Siddha formulations in 23 different dosage forms.

Organizational Structure

The Drug Manufacturing Unit comprises the following five sections:

1. Raw Drug Store

2. Preparation Section

3. Quality Control Laboratory

4. Finished Medicine Store

5. Administration

Procurement and Manufacturing Process

Raw materials required for drug preparation are procured through TAMPCOL, a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking. All raw drugs are subjected to quality testing prior to procurement and are stored batch-wise in the Raw Drug Store.

The manufacturing process follows the FIFO (First In, First Out) method for the utilization of raw materials. Siddha medicines are prepared under the supervision of qualified Siddha physicians by adhering to traditional Siddha methods and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

Each batch of prepared medicine is assigned a unique Batch Number and kept under quarantine. Samples are then subjected to scientific quality evaluation in the Quality Control Laboratory. Only medicines that meet the prescribed standards are certified and transferred to the Finished Medicine Store.

The approved medicines are subsequently supplied to the Government Siddha Medical College Hospital as per requirement.

Development of the Drug Manufacturing Unit

As per the Proceedings of the Commissioner, Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy, vide Rc. No. 0439/SAS-TN/2023-11, dated 08.03.2024, a total sum of Rs. 1,60,00,000 was allocated. Out of this, Rs. 1,00,00,000 was utilized for building infrastructure development and Rs. 60,00,000 for the procurement of machinery and equipment. As a result, the Drug Manufacturing Unit has been upgraded to GMP standards and is currently functioning efficiently.

Further, as per the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020, an additional 17 Siddha medicines were newly licensed in the year 2024 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and are being provided to patients.

This unit is the first Government institution in Tamil Nadu to obtain a perpectual license under the IV Amendment of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.

The unit commences its operations at 5:00 AM and functions throughout all 365 days of the year, including during emergencies and critical situations, ensuring uninterrupted service.

Special Therapeutic Services

Siddha medicines are prepared and supplied for specialized treatment categories such as:

Diabetes Mellitus

Urolithiasis (Renal Calculi)

Anaemia

Infertility

Chronic Sinusitis

Respiratory Disorders

In addition, a separate Outpatient Department (OPD) for Cancer Care has been established under G.O. No. 818, dated 09.06.1993, Health and Family Welfare Department. Medicines such as Chithiramoola Kuligai, Soodavallathi Urundai, and Kaaya Mathirai are prepared and supplied in accordance with quality standards.

Uniqueness

This Drug Manufacturing Unit is distinguished by

Manufacturing more than 100 Siddha formulations, including higher-order medicines

Strict adherence to classical Siddha formulations and principles

Preparation of medicines without the use of chemical preservatives

Being the only Government institution producing higher-order Siddha medicine

Academic and Training Activities

The unit provides practical training to:

Undergraduate student

Postgraduate students

Diploma trainees

ensuring comprehensive exposure to Siddha pharmaceutical practices.

Public Health Contribution

For more than 50 years, the unit has been consistently preparing and supplying eight types of medicated decoctions (Kudineer) required for the Outpatient Department of the Government Siddha Medical College Hospital, thereby rendering continuous service to the public throughout the year.