The inception of the Pertubuhan Perubatan Tradisional India Malaysia (PEPTIM) or Malaysian Association of Traditional Indian Medicine (MATIM) took place in 2004 with the primary objective of serving as the official representative body for Traditional Indian Medicine practitioners in Malaysia. MATIM, in partnership with the Department of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya, has embarked on a collaborative effort to register unlicensed practitioners of Traditional Indian Medicine in Malaysia. This strategic alliance aims to provide a formal recognition platform for practitioners who have not yet been officially registered, thereby enhancing the legitimacy and credibility of Traditional Indian Medicine within the country.
In line with these efforts, a pre-registration event was meticulously organized on 2nd February 2024 at Brickfields Menara Central Vista, spanning from 8 am to 3 pm. The primary objective of this event was to facilitate the registration of previously unregistered Siddha Vaidya and Ayurvedic practitioners across Malaysia.
By conducting this initiative at a central location and within a specified timeframe, MATIM and the Department of Indian Studies aimed to streamline the registration process, providing a convenient opportunity for practitioners from various regions to officially enroll and contribute to the broader recognition and standardization of Traditional Indian Medicine practices in the country.
MATIM assumed a central role in orchestrating and overseeing a comprehensive study, functioning as the principal entity under the Traditional & Complementary Medicine sector of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia. The research initiative involved the active collaboration and participation of more than 200 individuals. The registration took place under the guidance of the association’s president, Vaidyar Sivakumaran.
An advisory announcement has been issued, warning that traditional medicine practitioners who do not complete their registration by the 29th February 2024 deadline will remain ineligible to practice medicine. It is crucial to note that the MATIM Corporation has instructed practitioners to obtain their licenses through the registration process. Failure to comply with this directive may result in continued ineligibility for medical practice.
Meanwhile, Siddha and Ayurvedic doctors who have not yet completed their registration are urged to reach out to VP Siddha Agasthiar at 0194142437. He serves as the in-charge of the Siddha Medical Department at MATIM Corporation. Practitioners are requested to coordinate with him to facilitate their registration by the 29th February 2024.
The Malaysian Association of Traditional Indian Medicine (MATIM) has played a pivotal role in advancing the formal recognition and standardization of Traditional Indian Medicine practices in Malaysia. Through collaborative efforts with academic institutions and proactive initiatives like the pre-registration event, MATIM has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity and regulatory compliance.
Source: Peptim – Pertubuhan Perubatan Tradisional India Malaysia Facebook, Vanakkam Malaysia
