By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a significant move for farmers and livestock rearers in Bihar, the state government will now provide veterinary services directly at their doorsteps. This means that farmers no longer need to visit hospitals or private veterinarians to get their sick animals treated. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has introduced a door-to-door veterinary service for cattle rearers across the state. On Monday, CM Nitish Kumar inaugurated the mobile veterinary unit, call centre, and mobile app, and flagged off the mobile veterinary units for various blocks.
Following the programme, Minister of Animal and Fisheries Resources, Renu Devi, addressed reporters at the Information Bhawan and announced that 534 mobile veterinary units and call centres have been launched as part of a major initiative in the state’s veterinary sector. She explained that each block in the state would have its own mobile veterinary unit to address the difficulties faced by livestock keepers in transporting sick animals to veterinary hospitals.
These mobile units will ease the burden on farmers by saving time and money spent on bringing sick animals from remote areas. Quick and efficient treatment will now be available, and in cases of infectious disease outbreaks, prompt investigation and control measures can be implemented. The mobile units will also help promote government schemes among cattle rearers.
Dr Vijayalakshmi, Principal Secretary of the Animal and Fisheries Resources Department, provided further details, stating that the mobile veterinary unit is a fully equipped vehicle with GPS capability. The unit is designed to identify animal diseases, provide veterinary care and minor surgeries, and carry necessary medicines for treatment and artificial insemination. The vehicle is also equipped with audio-visual tools for awareness campaigns. Each mobile unit is staffed by a veterinary doctor, a veterinary assistant, and a driver cum attendant. The service will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all working days.
To support the mobile units, a call centre has been established at the state headquarters in Patna, where farmers can contact veterinary services through the mobile app or by calling the toll-free number 1962 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on working days. Additionally, telemedicine services will be available through the call centre, ensuring that livestock farmers receive timely veterinary care at their doorsteps.
