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RVS SIDDHA MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL

Kannampalayam , Coimbatore – 641 402

DEPARTMENT OF GUNAPADAM MARUNTHAKAVIYAL

 FIELD VISIT REPORT

Place of visit: SKM Siddha andAyurvedha Company, Erode.

Date and Time of visit:11/02/2026; 11:00 am to 3:20 PM

Participants:Dr.M.Selva Deepa MD(s), Dr.S.Menaga MD(s), Dr.M.HarshiniMSc,PhD, Dr.A.Agasthiyan MD(s), A total of twenty eight students from Second Professional BSMS,

Academic Year: 2025 – 2026;

Batch: 2022 - 2023

Objectives of the Field visit

• To learn about the guidelines of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Storage Practice (GSP).
• To understand how raw drugs are tested before they are taken into the process of medicine manufacturing.
• To learn about the latest pharmaceutical instruments used in the Siddha drug manufacturing field.
• To understand the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) followed in Siddha drug manufacturing.
• To learn about the procedures carried out in the drug testing laboratories of medicine manufacturing companies.

Exploring SKM Siddha and Ayurveda Company, Erode:

After reaching the SKM Company, the students, along with the faculty members, were divided into two groups, each consisting of sixteen members. Each group was guided by Dr. K. Napoleon, MD (S), Technical Officer, and Dr. P. Dheenadhayalan, MD (S), Production Manager at SKM Siddha and Ayurveda Company. They led the students to explore the different sections of the company, as detailed below.

A. Raw Drug Store:

The visit commenced at the Raw Drug Store. The various raw drugs used for medicine manufacturing were stored in stainless steel containers to prevent damage or contamination by microbes, insects, and rodents. All containers were properly labelled with the name of the drug, batch/lot number, and date of receipt.

All raw materials undergo quality testing either by ASU experts (Quality Control Technical Personnel) or by NABL- or AYUSH-approved laboratories. The materials are used in the manufacturing process only after receiving proper approval and verification.

A separate record is maintained for rejected materials.

B. Production Section:

We then entered the Production Section, where various machines used in the Siddha drug manufacturing process were demonstrated. Instruments such as the MezhuguThylamEnthiram, ThulaEnthiram, KuzhiThylamKaruvi, and ChendooramErikkumKaruvi were clearly explained.

The officials also provided detailed information about the steam boilers, ball mills, pulverizers, compressors, and dryers that are implemented in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines.

The students were also given the opportunity to observe tablet compression machines and Capsule filling machines used in the manufacturing process.

C. Visit to the Packaging Section:

In the packaging section, the students observed the modern equipment used for packing the prepared medicines. Labelling, counting, and filling of medicines into appropriate bottles were carried out by skilled workers in this section. After proper packaging and labelling, the finished products were prepared for marketing and distribution.

D. Visit to the Drug Testing Laboratory:

The company had a separate section dedicated to drug testing, where both finished products and raw materials were analysed to ensure quality standards. The laboratory was well equipped to perform biochemical, microbiological, and chemical assays. These tests were conducted to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of the medicines manufactured.

 Conclusion:

The students were clearly briefed on the Siddha medicine manufacturing, packaging, and drug testing processes carried out at SKM Siddha Ayurveda Company, Erode, by Dr. P. Dheenadhayalan, MD (S), Production Manager, and Dr. K. Napoleon, MD (S), Technical Officer.

This field visit helped bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-time industrial practices. It encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills and motivated the students toward research and innovation.