The Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy (DIMH) provides health care services in the systems of traditional medicine such as Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga & Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. They also run institutions which teach the above systems. The DIMH implements the policies, laws, regulations and programmes formulated by the Government of Tamil Nadu with the aim to improve the delivery of health care through the Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISMH) and development of medical education. The main objectives of DIMH are to provide Siddha and other ISMH medical facility at all levels of health care system, improve ISMH medical education in both public and private sector and encourage ISMH research and bring its services under the main stream. The department is also responsible for Research, regulation of drug manufacturing and quality control of Indian System of Medicine to ensure availability of quality drugs to the public. Tamil Nadu is the only state in the country where Government Medical Colleges have been established for all the disciplines of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy. Siddha, Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani and Homoeopathy, offer a wide range of holistic treatments covering preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and rejuvenative needs. Now-a-days, the Indian systems of medicine has attracted increasing attention globally due to public acceptance and cost effectiveness. Indian systems of medicine are being used for centuries and have continuous tradition of acceptance and practice with wide impact in the state health care. Hence it is an important component of modern health care system-playing a significant and indispensable role.
Siddha System, most prevalent system of the State, is one of the ancient traditional systems of medicine documented in the world. It is considered as the mother medicine of ancient Tamils and is the proud contribution of our Tamil Ancestors to the world. Siddha is widely practiced across the world wherever Tamil speaking people reside. Siddha Thirumoolar in his famous axiom says, “உடம்பை வளர்த்தேன் உயிர் வளர்த்தேனே”, which rightly depicts the significance of preventive and wellness medicine. The Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to provide full opportunity for the growth and development of Indian System of Medicine and utilization of their potential, strength and revival of their glory. The ultimate goal of the State Government is to provide Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani,Yoga and Naturopathy and Homoeopathy Medical treatments to the public at large.