Punjab to Launch Indoor Services at Six Veterinary Polyclinics for Better Animal Healthcare
Animal Healthcare Improvement – Comprehensive Services, Infrastructure, and Workforce Expansion
The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is set to significantly enhance animal healthcare services in the state with the launch of indoor services at six veterinary polyclinics. This initiative aims to improve the treatment and well-being of both pets and livestock, offering a comfortable and well-equipped environment for animal care.
The Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, announced that the state has allocated Rs 1.85 crore to upgrade the polyclinics located in Patiala, Amritsar, Bathinda, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana. These polyclinics will provide a range of indoor services, including surgeries, post-operative care, lab tests, X-rays, and ultrasound, ensuring comprehensive medical support for animals in need.
Mr. Khudian also shared that the department successfully administered vaccines to protect livestock from Lumpy Skin Disease and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), with 126.22 lakh doses of the FMD vaccine given free of cost. In addition, 1.75 lakh doses of frozen sexed semen were procured at a cost of Rs 11.81 crore, aimed at improving livestock quality and reducing the stray animal population.
To further strengthen veterinary services, the Punjab Government has recruited 326 new Veterinary Officers, 538 Veterinary Inspectors, and 59 Group C staff members. The government also plans to recruit 405 more Veterinary Officers, ensuring efficient and accessible animal healthcare services across the state.
As part of a broader initiative to improve animal welfare, the Animal Husbandry Department has distributed deworming medicines worth Rs 6.37 crore to livestock farmers and provided Rs 3 crore worth of medicines to hospitals and dispensaries. The department has also organized 199 animal welfare camps and is conducting the 21st livestock census in the state.
A historic moment for the department was its participation as a host partner in the first-ever Pet Expo held in Chandigarh on December 21-22, 2024, showcasing Punjab’s commitment to animal welfare.
This comprehensive initiative demonstrates the Punjab Government’s dedication to enhancing animal healthcare, supporting farmers, and improving veterinary services across the state.