Gurmeet Khudian Launches IPD Services at Six Veterinary Polyclinics in Punjab
Punjab Veterinary IPD Services Launched in Six Districts to Strengthen Animal Healthcare
Chandigarh/Lambi, April 17 – In a major stride towards improving veterinary services in the state, Punjab Animal Husbandry Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated the first In-Patient Department (IPD) ward for animals at the Government Veterinary Polyclinic in Badal village, Sri Muktsar Sahib district. This marks the official rollout of IPD services across six major veterinary polyclinics in Punjab, aiming to deliver comprehensive indoor healthcare for livestock and pets.
Comprehensive Animal Treatment Now a Reality
These newly inaugurated IPD wards will offer critical services such as:
- Surgeries for livestock and pets
- Post-operative care and observation
- Diagnostics including X-rays, ultrasounds, and lab tests
- Treatment for acute illnesses and long-term monitoring
Similar facilities have also been initiated at veterinary polyclinics in Patiala, Amritsar, Sangrur, Gurdaspur, and Ludhiana, ensuring wider access to advanced animal care throughout the state.
“These veterinary polyclinics will greatly benefit livestock owners by providing much-needed care and treatment, particularly in cases requiring surgery and prolonged recovery,” said Minister Khudian during the event.
Addressing the Gap in Animal Healthcare Infrastructure
Previously, Punjab’s veterinary infrastructure lacked proper inpatient facilities, especially for animals recovering from surgeries. According to Khudian, this often resulted in complications like stitch ruptures, infections, toxaemia, and even animal deaths, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized post-op care was limited.
With the introduction of dedicated IPD wards, animals can now be admitted and monitored until full recovery—greatly reducing risks and easing the burden on livestock farmers.
Chief Minister’s Vision for Animal Welfare
The initiative is part of a broader animal welfare plan under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aimed at modernizing the state’s veterinary services. Each polyclinic will now have specialized observation wards and rehabilitation programs to cater to recovering animals.
The move is also seen as an effort to support Punjab’s agrarian community, where livestock plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods.
Statewide FMD Immunisation Drive Underway
Alongside the IPD launch, the Punjab government has also initiated a statewide Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign, targeting over 65 lakh livestock.
“More than 1,600 veterinary teams have been deployed across the state to complete the immunisation drive by May 2025,” Khudian informed.
He urged farmers to actively participate and ensure their animals are protected against FMD, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals.
Promoting Genetic Improvement in Livestock
Khudian also encouraged the use of sex-sorted semen for artificial insemination, aiming to enhance the genetic pool and tackle the stray cattle issue. The availability of high-quality germ plasm is expected to improve milk production and breed standards, benefitting both the economy and the environment.
Additional Animal Welfare Initiatives
Dr. G.S. Bedi, Director of Animal Husbandry Punjab, elaborated on several other progressive measures taken under the leadership of Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari, including:
- Anti-snake venom treatment in 97 tehsils and 22 polyclinics
- Free deworming drives under the ASCAD scheme
- Free anti-tetanus injections for equines
- Activation of Bovine Breeding Authority
- Registration of pet shops and animal breeders for better regulation
Dr. Bedi appealed to livestock owners and pet caretakers to leverage the growing network of animal welfare schemes and services now available across Punjab.
Looking Ahead: A Healthier Future for Punjab’s Animals
The launch of IPD services in veterinary polyclinics is a landmark development for Punjab’s animal healthcare ecosystem. It reflects a paradigm shift in how the state prioritizes animal welfare—not only by investing in physical infrastructure but also by launching strategic drives for disease control, genetic improvement, and post-treatment rehabilitation.
With this move, Punjab sets an example for other states looking to integrate advanced veterinary care into rural and agrarian communities.