The Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine (PGIIM) is the sole postgraduate educational institution in Sri Lanka authorized to train specialists in the major disciplines of Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine. It is affiliated with the University of Colombo and works in close collaboration with the Department of Ayurveda under the Ministry of Health, as well as the Ministry of Higher Education.
The institute is headed by the Director, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Governance and oversight of academic, administrative, and financial matters are entrusted to the Board of Management. Academic policies, program development, and curriculum regulation are guided by the Board of Studies and relevant Specialty Boards.
PGIIM currently offers five-year MD (Ayurveda) and Board Certification programs in the specialties of Kaumarabhritya (Pediatrics), Kayachikitsa (Internal Medicine), Prasutitantra Streeroga (Obstetrics & Gynecology), Shalyatantra (Surgery), and Swasthavritta (Preventive and Social Medicine). Additionally, it conducts the MD (Unani) and Board Certification program in Ilmul Advia (Unani Pharmacology). The institute also provides Senior Registrar training for foreign MD holders in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani medicine through accredited training centers.
Six new MD programs are currently under review by the Quality Assurance Council of the University Grants Commission, with plans for implementation upon approval.
Pre-MD trainees enrolled in the MD Ayurveda and MD Unani programs actively participate in clinical training, community outreach initiatives, and continuous professional development activities. Notably, the first batch of MD Ayurveda trainees (2020–2025) in the five specialties is currently undergoing post-MD training at the Institute of Training and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in India.
PGIIM continues to play a pivotal role in advancing postgraduate education and specialist training in indigenous medical systems, contributing to the development of holistic and integrative healthcare in Sri Lanka and beyond