Opportunities in Siddha

1. What is Siddha?

Ans. Siddha is a science of holistic approach to healing, which illustrates Drug (Elixir) and Diet (Regimen) for human health care.

2. Is there any National Institute for Siddha?

Ans. Yes, this is located at Thambaram Sanatorium in Chennai. This is a Post-Graduate Educational Research Institute for Siddha.

3. How many post-graduate specializations are there in Siddha?

Ans. There are Six Specializations for post-graduates in Siddha, ie. Maruthuvam (General medicine), Gunapadam (Pharmacology), Noi Naadal, (Pathology), Sirappu maruthuvam (Special medicine), Kulanthai pini maruthuvam (Paediatrics) and Nanji nool maruthuvam (Toxicology).

4. How many Siddha Colleges are there in India and what courses do they offer?

Ans. There are 6 Siddha colleges in Tamil Nadu and one at Kerala, which are situated at Chennai (3), Coimbatore (1), Thirunelveli (1), Munchirai (1) and Santhagiri (1). They offer under graduate and Post graduate courses in Siddha.

5. Is there any separate Research Council for Siddha?

Ans. There is no separate Council for Siddha, but the Siddha Research Institutes/Units function under Central Council for Research in Ayurveda and Siddha (CCRAS).

6. What is the course duration for U.G and P.G in Siddha?

Ans. 5 years and 6 months for under graduation and 3 years for post graduation.

7. How many Siddha hospitals and dispensaries are there in India?

Ans. There are 276 Siddha hospitals and 444 Siddha dispensaries in India.

8. Is any Central research institute, Regional Research Institute and Clinical Research Units available in India for Siddha?

Ans. Yes. The CCRAS has Research Institutions for Siddha. A Central Research Institute is functioning at Chennai, One Regional Research Institute in Pondicherry and Clinical Research Units are located in Thirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) and Santhagiri (Kerala).

9. What are the scopes for Siddha Graduates in the near future?

Ans. Apart from the self established clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, there are many opportunities for Siddha graduates to get jobs at State and Central government organizations. Additionally, Private organizations, Pharmaceutical industries, Panchayat Union clinics, Municipality dispensaries, Corporation hospitals, Private colleges and Private hospitals are offering jobs Siddha graduates. South India in particular and foreign countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Srilanka have job opportunities for Siddha graduates.

10. What isthe scope for Siddha Pharmaceutical industrialists?

Ans. In Tamil Nadu, due to a high demand for Siddha/Ayurveda Medicines, more Siddha pharmaceutical industries have been developed. Nowadays, more and more people are switching over to the Indian System of Medicines and hence the scope for Siddha Pharmaceutical Industries has risen.