# Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine

The Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Sinhala: ගම්පහ වික්‍රමාරච්චි දේශීය වෛද්‍ය විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය, Tamil: கம்பஹா விக்கிரமராட்சி சுதேச மருத்துவப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்), is a public university located in Yakkala, Sri Lanka. It was established by Ayurveda Cakrawarti Pandit G.P. Wickramarachchi in 1928 as the Gampaha Sidayurveda Vidyalaya and in 1982 it was incorporated as Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Vidyalaya under the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine.
On 4 March 2021, the institute was officially launched as the 16th National University of Sri Lanka by president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The university not only focuses on indigenous medicine but also includes programs in technology and modern medicine. BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery) degree program is the oldest and most prestigious degree offered by this university. And, the BHSc(Hons) Biomedical Technology degree And BHSc(Hons) Health Information And Communication Technology degree is another demanded degree programs offered by the University.

## History

In 1929, Ayurveda Cakrawarti Pandit G.P. Wickramarachchi established the Gampaha Sidayurveda Vidyalaya as a center for learning the Sidhayurveda tradition of medicine. Initially located on his personal land in Yakkala, the institute aimed to impart knowledge and expertise in herbal drug preparation and traditional medical practices to physicians. It boasted a drug manufacturing unit, hospital facilities, and a herbal garden with a rare collection of plants at its inception.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of Ayurvedic medicine and its significant contributions to the national health sector, the vidyalaya attained state recognition in 1951. This recognition enabled its diploma holders to serve in state-sector Ayurvedic hospitals. In 1982, the Vidyalaya was reconstituted as the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute under the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine through Parliamentary Act No. 30 of 1982. In 1995, it was elevated to university status.
Since 2021, following its transformation into a university, the institute has expanded its curriculum to include not only indigenous medicine but also modern medicine and technology, management, and other disciplines as outlined in the Sri Lanka University Grants Commission handbook.

## Academics

The institute's academic staff is allocated to the five academic departments based on their specialization and teaching expertise as below;
* Department of Chikitsa
* Department of Ayurveda Basic Principles
* Department of Dravyaguna
* Department of Kaumarabruthya & Stree Roga
* Department of Shalya Shalakya
* Department of Technology

### Undergraduate programs

The Gampaha Wickramarachchi University offers:
* A Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery degree. This is a six-year course including one-year internship training in state hospitals.
Department of Technology offers:
* A Bachelor of Health Science Honours in Biomedical Technology degree program that teaches skills to work in the biomedical technology field in modern medicine.
* A Bachelor of Health Science Honours in Health Information And Communication Technology degree program that teaches skills to Work in ICT Field And healthcare industry .

### Postgraduate programs

The Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute offers following postgraduate diplomas and master's degrees across disciplines in Kayacikitsa, Panchakarma and management and administration of Ayurveda institutions.

#### Postgraduate diplomas

* Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Administration of Ayurveda Institutions

#### Master's degrees

* Master of Science in Kāyacikitsā
* Master of Science in Pañcakarma
* Master of Science in Management and Administration of Ayurveda Institutions

### Other programs

* Diploma In Yoga And Relaxation (DYR)
* Diploma in Ayurveda Pharmaceuticals
* Certificate Course in Yoga and Relaxation Techniques(CCYR)
* Certificate Course in Ayurveda Beauty Culture
* Certificate Course in Ultrasound Scanning

## Ministry of Health (Sri Lanka)

To evaluate degrees such as the Bachelor of Health Science Honours in Biomedical Technology by the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka, the process typically involves assessing the curriculum, faculty qualifications, infrastructure, and alignment with national health priorities. Biomedical Technology degrees are crucial as they integrate modern medical principles with technological applications, supporting advancements in healthcare diagnostics, treatment, and research.
Biomedical Technology professionals play a pivotal role in healthcare systems by developing and maintaining medical equipment, conducting research, and implementing technological solutions that enhance patient care and outcomes. In Sri Lanka, the evaluation by the Ministry of Health ensures that such programs meet national standards and contribute effectively to the healthcare sector's development.

## Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Teaching Hospital

Gampaha Wickramarachchi Sidhayurveda Medical College establish in 1929 by Pandit G.P Wickramarachchi with the aims of improving Ayurveda Medicine and provided treated freely. In 1984 it was upgraded to the hospital and on 27 February 2008. it was affiliated by the Department of Ayurveda. At present this hospital has four wards that can accommodate 120 patients. In addition there is an out patients department and a pharmacy. This Ayurveda Teaching hospital provides Teaching and training facilities to undergraduate Medical student of the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute.