The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced detailed codes of practice for Siddha therapies, including Pugai (fumigation) and Poá¹i Timirtal, to standardize patient assessment, treatment documentation, monitoring, and follow-up. The new norms aim to ensure uniformity and enhance consumer safety in Siddha treatments, according to livemint.com.
These codes require practitioners to adopt modern medical screening and consent procedures similar to allopathy, marking a significant shift in traditional Siddha practices. The BIS guidelines were developed to bring consistency across Siddha therapy providers, although some traditional practitioners have expressed reservations about adopting rigid reporting rules. The move reflects government efforts to integrate traditional medicine with contemporary healthcare standards, as reported by livemint.com.
The introduction of these norms addresses long-standing concerns about the lack of standardized protocols in Siddha therapies, which are widely practiced in India. By mandating thorough documentation and follow-up, the BIS aims to improve patient safety and treatment efficacy. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to regulate and modernize traditional medicine systems under the Ministry of AYUSH, complementing similar standards set for Ayurveda and other therapies.
The BIS codes for Siddha therapies were officially issued in June 2026, setting a precedent for future regulation of traditional medical practices. The Ministry of AYUSH is expected to oversee the implementation and compliance of these standards across Siddha therapy centers nationwide, as detailed by livemint.com.