New Delhi (Agency): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik initiated a significant move for the welfare of animals and farmers by flagging off 181 Mobile Veterinary vehicles. These vehicles are part of the ‘Mukhyamntri Bhramyaman Pranichikitsa Seva’ program and aim to provide healthcare services to livestock across the state.
Chief Minister Patnaik stated, “Mobile Veterinary Units are working to provide veterinary services at the doorstep to the livestock keepers and farmers in the villages located at distant places from veterinary institutions.” He added that these mobile units would offer emergency healthcare to stray and abandoned animals via an Animal Helpline in times of need.
According to Patnaik, the state government is committed to improving the lives of livestock farmers and increasing their income. “The state government is making continuous efforts to make the lives of livestock farmers more comfortable, multiply farmers’ income and bring smiles on their faces,” he said.
The initiative is part of the Odisha government’s broader strategy to focus on animal resources development as the next growth area for farmers, as well as for Women Self Help Groups and entrepreneurs. “Veterinary Healthcare and advisory services are very important for managing animal health and the livelihood of rural people,” the Chief Minister noted.
In terms of operational details, Patnaik mentioned that the government has invested around Rs 30 crore in the first phase of this project. The mobile veterinary units will be equipped with their own vehicles, available in all districts. To ensure transparency and effective service delivery, these vehicles will be tracked using the Global Positioning System (GPS). “Application of such technology will bring transparency in the operation of the units based on the ‘5 T’ program of our government,” he explained.
Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Ranendra Pratap Swain, also spoke on the occasion, stating that these mobile units would contribute to taking animal resource development in Odisha to new heights.