Madras HC allows BSMS Siddha practitioners to practice modern medicine in Tamil Nadu, imposes riders

In a recent judgment, the Madras High Court held that the Siddha practitioners in the State of Tamil Nadu were allowed to practice modern medicine. However, the HC bench of Justice G Jayachandran also clarified that the TN Siddha Medical Council members were not permitted to store allopathy medicine as it would violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

The Court observed that according to the Government Order issued by the Health Department on September 8, 2010, the registered Siddha doctors at the TN Siddha Medical Council were allowed to practice modern medicine, However, referring to Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the Court clarified that any drug could be stored for distribution, sale, exhibition etc only with license issued for the said purpose.