Uttar Pradesh Boosts Veterinary Services with New Policy

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a new policy to enhance veterinary services by introducing diploma and certificate courses in animal husbandry and para-veterinary medicine. This decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aims to address the shortage of veterinarians in the state, where only 8,193 are available compared to the national total of about 34,500. By training more para-veterinarians, the government seeks to empower rural communities with essential animal health services, addressing the challenges posed by the current lack of resources and adequate training.

Importance of Para-Veterinarians in Rural Areas

Animal Husbandry Minister Dharampal Singh emphasized the critical role of para-veterinarians in rural areas, where they often perform tasks like vaccination and first aid under the supervision of veterinarians due to a limited number of licensed professionals. The new policy will facilitate the training of para-vets in various aspects of animal health care, thereby improving the quality of services provided in rural communities.

Implementation of the New Policy

The policy will allow both private and government institutions to conduct animal husbandry diploma and certificate courses. This initiative will standardize the training programs and ensure uniformity in course content, paving the way for better training and skill development for para-vets. The key institutes involved in this effort include Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya, Gau Anusandhan Sansthan, and several agricultural and technology universities.

Funding for Veterinary Infrastructure

In addition to educational initiatives, the state government has allocated Rs. 3.73 crore to enhance veterinary services further. This funding will be used to establish 11 new operation theatres and modern outpatient buildings in government veterinary dispensaries, along with renovation work in 16 existing facilities in Udumalpet, Dharapuram, and Tirupur divisions. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen veterinary infrastructure and expand the capacity for animal health services across the state, ultimately creating new employment opportunities in the animal husbandry and agriculture sectors.