29 Mobile Veterinary Units And Centralized Call Centers Inaugurated In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

To benefit the livestock farmers in Kerala, 29 Mobile Veterinary Units (MVU) and Centralized Call centres were inaugurated by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri. Parshottam Rupala. Each MVU will compulsorily consist of a qualified Veterinarian and a Paravet and will be operated using a centralized call centre having helpline no. 1962.

Livestock Health and Disease Control (LH & DC) Scheme is one that looks after the establishment and operations of MVUs. This scheme aims at establishing and strengthening Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries. This scheme provides financial assistance to UTs and States so that they can initiate the services of 1 MVU/1 lakh Livestock Population. It provides financial help of 100% up to Rs.16 lakhs/1 MVU for non-recurring expenditures and central shares (100% for UTs, 90% for NE and Hilly while 60% for other states) Rs. 18.72 lakhs/1 MVU towards recurring expenditure. For the financial year 2022-23, 4332 MVUs across the nation are sanctioned by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.                                                 

Objectives of MVUs

1. To provide specialized services to livestock farmers.
2. Provision of diagnosis services, vaccinations, minor surgical interventions, audio-visual aids, artificial insemination and extension services at the doorstep of the farmers.
3. Will act as a one-stop to solve problems and distribute new information regarding animal health to the remotest areas.
4. The centralized call centre will receive all the calls from livestock rearers and veterinarians. The priority to the cases will be given depending on the nature of the emergency and accordingly will be transferred to the nearest MVU.

Conclusion

This will lead to better health of the livestock and the provision of veterinary facilities at doorsteps for the livestock farmers in Kerala.