The National Women Siddha Doctors’ Association has urged the State government not to permit fresh admissions for the Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences (BNYS) course for the current academic year. The course was being offered without the required statutory recognition, the association said.

The association submitted a representation to the State government highlighting issues concerning Siddha medicine. Following this, the association was officially invited to attend a meeting convened by the Secretary to Government, Health and Family Welfare Department, to discuss the demands in detail, a press release said.

During the meeting, the association placed a number of demands. Appropriate action should be initiated regarding the BNYS course, which, according to the association, is offered without a competent statutory regulatory body.

The government should conduct a comprehensive inquiry into MD Yoga, MD Naturopathy, and MD Acupuncture programmes, which are conducted without University Grants Commission approval, and initiate appropriate legal and regulatory action wherever necessary, the association said.

To safeguard the interests of students and the general public, the government should take appropriate action against medical courses and therapies that are conducted without the necessary statutory approvals or in violation of applicable laws and regulations, it said, according to the release.

It stated that these demands were submitted with the objective of protecting the integrity of Siddha medicine and ensuring quality standards in medical education. It hoped that the government would take prompt and appropriate action on the issues raised.

Published - July 13, 2026 08:58 pm IST