Odisha CM Flags Off 133 Mobile Veterinary Units to Boost Animal Healthcare in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 133 Mobile Veterinary Unit vehicles in a program organized by the Department of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday. These vehicles are set to play a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to livestock animals under the “Mukhyamantri Bhramyaman Pranichikitsa Seva” initiative in the state.

Animal resources have been a significant contributor to Odisha’s economy, with animal husbandry playing a pivotal role in farmers’ income generation. The State Government, committed to enhancing farmers’ income and improving their standard of living, has undertaken continuous efforts in this direction.

Identifying the animal resources sector as a growth area for small and marginal farmers, women self-help groups, and entrepreneurs, the state government has implemented various measures to protect animals and ensure they receive proper medical care.

In line with the commitment to animal welfare, the “Mukhyamantri Bhramyaman Pranichikitsa Seva” initiative has been introduced. Through this program, mobile veterinary units can reach animals in areas without veterinary facilities, providing essential healthcare services.

The Mukhyamantri Bhramyaman Pranichikitsa Seva has proven invaluable in delivering emergency healthcare services to ailing animals. Initially launched with 181 mobile veterinary unit vehicles worth Rs 30 crore on September 8 last year, an additional 133 units, valued at Rs 21.28 crore, were inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

This initiative ensures veterinary services are accessible to people at their doorsteps, offering surgery facilities and addressing animal vaccination and diagnostic needs. The mobile units equipped with GPS technology travel to various villages, providing vital veterinary services.

Additionally, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated six Animal Ambulance Service vehicles to offer immediate medical care to ailing and injured cattle and animals in urban areas.

Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, F&ARD Depts, Ranendra Pratap Swain, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Principal Secretary of F&ARD Dept Suresh Kumar Vashishth were present at the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing animal welfare and supporting farmers in the state.