UTAR strengthens ties in India to advance Ayurvedic education and healthcare

Following the establishment of the M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) and UTAR Hospital, UTAR’s commitment to expanding its medical disciplines has taken a significant leap forward, providing an integrated platform where education and diverse medical expertise converge to serve the community’s well-being.

While modern advancements are carried out at the Hospital’s Medical Centre, the practice of traditional medicine takes place at the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Centre, which offers a wide array of services rooted in ancient wisdom yet practised within a modern clinical setting. The Centre provides medical services such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, traditional Malay medicine, and counselling—reflecting UTAR’s holistic approach towards quality and affordable healthcare.

In a sustainable effort to strengthen the core of Ayurvedic education and healthcare services at UTAR and UTAR Hospital, a delegation led by UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations Prof Dr Choong Chee Keong visited India from 31 August to 2 September 2025.

The delegation comprised MK FMHS Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Leong Pooi Pooi, T&CM Centre Director Assoc Prof Dr Te Kian Keong, and Ayurveda Chair at UTAR Dr Binod Bihari Dora.

SNA Oushadhasala
On 1 September 2025, the UTAR delegation visited SNA Oushadhasala. They were given a tour of its manufacturing unit, which provided an opportunity to observe the full cycle of Ayurvedic medicine production—from procurement, storage, and processing to final packaging in powder and tablet forms.

A meeting was also held at the corporate office with SNA Oushadhasala Managing Director Ashtavaidyan Dr PTN Vasudevan Mooss, Director Ashtavaidyan Prof Dr Alathiyoor Narayanan Nambi, and CEO Mr Ramanathan Sridhar. Both parties expressed a keen interest in formalising a partnership in the near future, with plans for Ayurvedic experts from SNA Oushadhasala to visit UTAR for clinical and teaching engagements.

Tour at the SNA manufacturing unit

Prof Choong (right) presenting tokens of appreciation to Dr Vasudevan Mooss

Group photograph at SNA Corporate Office

Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
On the same day, the UTAR delegation visited Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala. They were received by Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala Executive Directors Ashtavaidyan Dr E.T. Yadu Narayanan Mooss and Ashtavaidyan Dr E.T. Krishnan Mooss, CEO Mr Pradeep Nair, and the management team. The discussion focused on potential academic and research collaborations, culminating in a proposal to establish an official partnership in the future. The delegation was also given a tour of the Vaidyaratnam Museum, Hospital, and Research Centre, offering an in-depth understanding of its operations and facilities.

Discussions held at Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala

From left: Prof Choong presenting tokens of appreciation to Dr Krishnan Mooss and Mr Nair,accompanied by the management team

From left: Prof Choong receiving a token of appreciation from Dr Yadu Narayanan Mooss, witnessed by Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala management team and
the UTAR delegation

The All India Institute of Ayurveda
On 2 September 2025, the delegation visited the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), where they were welcomed by AIIA Director Prof Dr Manjusha Rajagopala and the management team. Both parties discussed potential collaborations, particularly in relation to UTAR’s upcoming Ayurvedic programme. The AIIA leadership expressed keen interest in partnering with UTAR to advance Ayurvedic education and promote traditional medicine on an international stage. The delegation was also given a tour of the various AIIA departments.

Tour at various AIIA departments

Prof Choong (right) receiving a token of appreciation from Prof Rajagopala

Group photograph at AIIA

Ministry of Ayush, Government of India
A visit to the Ministry of Ayush ensued on the same day. The UTAR delegation was warmly received by Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Dr Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, along with senior officials. Building upon the existing UTAR-Ministry of Ayush collaboration, discussions encapsulated potential initiatives such as the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications between the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), faculty exchange and internship opportunities, the development of UTAR’s upcoming Ayurvedic programme, and the introduction of a certificate course in Panchakarma.

On-going discussion at the Ministry of Ayush

From right: Prof Choong presenting tokens of appreciation to Dr Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha

Group photograph at the Ministry of Ayush

The visit to India marked a significant milestone in UTAR’s and UTAR Hospital’s journey to advance traditional and complementary medicine, particularly Ayurveda, within its academic and healthcare landscape. The networks established during the visit not only reaffirm the University’s commitment to holistic and integrative healthcare but also pave the way for UTAR to become a regional hub for both traditional and modern medicine, providing quality and affordable healthcare services to the community.