State Tamil Nadu: Government Issues Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Against Unauthorised Medical, Dental, Nursing, and AYUSH Institutions Running Unapproved Courses
The Tamil Nadu Department of Health and Family Welfare has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to identify and take action against institutions running unauthorised or unapproved courses in the health sector. These sectors include medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health and healthcare, rehabilitation sciences, Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani), homoeopathy, yoga and naturopathy, and public health.
Under G.O. (Ms.) No. 170, Issued by the State Tamil Nadu on June 29, 2026
Under G.O. (Ms.) No. 170, issued by the State Tamil Nadu on June 29, 2026, the Health Department stated that it had received complaints regarding institutions operating without approval from the Central or State government, affiliation with a recognised university, or recognition from a competent statutory council or board.
Even among institutions that have received approval, some courses are being conducted without the necessary affiliation, recognition, or statutory sanction. These institutions and courses span all areas of health education, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, allied health and healthcare, rehabilitation sciences, Indian systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani), homoeopathy, yoga and naturopathy, and public health.
The State Tamil Nadu observed that such institutions often attract students by offering unapproved courses and charging exorbitant fees. Consequently, students may suffer financial loss, face uncertainty regarding the validity of their qualifications, and experience long-term damage to their careers.
The department further noted that despite repeated directives issued by the state government over the past few years, complaints regarding unauthorised institutions and unapproved health courses continue to be received from various parts of Tamil Nadu. To address this issue, the government has decided to implement a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that will assist officials in identifying such institutions and initiating action against them. The SOP provides a framework for dealing with institutions that conduct unapproved courses in various key health disciplines.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
The objective of the SOP is to establish a process for identifying and verifying unauthorised institutions and those running unapproved courses, taking legal action against violations of regulations, and safeguarding the interests of students.
Nodal Authority
To implement the SOP for all relevant health-related courses, the ‘Joint Director of Health Services’ at the district level will serve as the nodal officer. The ‘Joint Director of Health Services’ will be responsible for coordinating with the District Collector, police officials, concerned universities, and relevant statutory councils.
The Registrar of the State Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, in collaboration with the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and the Directorate of Indian Medicine, will share a district-wise list of approved institutions and courses with the respective ‘Joint Directors of Health Services’. This information will be shared annually on April 1st, as well as whenever new institutions are approved, modified, or closed.
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