In a major step towards strengthening India’s fight against tuberculosis (TB), the ICMR–National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis (NIRT), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS), under the Ministry of Ayush, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Chennai on May 19, 2026.
The agreement aims to promote integrative research combining modern medical science and the Siddha system of medicine to accelerate TB elimination efforts in India.
MoU Focuses on Research, Innovation, and Capacity Building
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Dr. N. J. Muthukumar, Director General, CCRS, and Dr. Srinath Satyanarayana, Director, ICMR–NIRT. The partnership will focus on clinical trials, innovative drug development, capacity building, and nutritional support through Siddha-based interventions.
As per PIB.gov.in news release, the collaboration is designed to strengthen integrative strategies against tuberculosis and support India’s broader public health goal of a TB-free nation.
Technical Session Highlights Role of Siddha Medicine
Following the signing ceremony, stakeholders conducted a technical session on the “Scope of Siddha system of medicine for TB elimination in India” as part of the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan–100 days campaign.
Dr. A. Rajendra Kumar, Research Officer at CCRS, welcomed participants and outlined upcoming research initiatives. In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. N. J. Muthukumar emphasized the potential of Siddha medicine in TB elimination, particularly its role in energy-dense nutritional supplementation and supportive care.
Meanwhile, Dr. Srinath Satyanarayana highlighted key integration areas such as TB diagnosis, prevention strategies, nutritional interventions, and management of post-TB lung complications.
Experts Discuss Integrated TB Strategies
The technical session featured expert lectures on multiple aspects of TB control. These included TB elimination priorities, shortened treatment regimens, rehabilitation approaches, the role of Siddha immune modulators, and in vitro anti-TB properties of Siddha formulations.
Collaboration Strengthens India’s TB Elimination Mission
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. Rathinamala, Research Officer at SCRI. Overall, the collaboration marks a significant step toward integrating traditional Siddha medicine with modern research frameworks, thereby strengthening India’s ongoing TB elimination initiatives.