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Chandigarh, January 19: In a groundbreaking step to bolster animal healthcare, the Punjab government has launched free anti-snake venom treatment across all district and tehsil-level veterinary hospitals in the state. This initiative aims to address the pressing issue of snakebite emergencies in pets and livestock, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Punjab’s Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, announced on Saturday that polyvalent anti-snake venom medicine has been made available in all 22 district-level polyclinics and 97 tehsil veterinary hospitals. The treatment will be administered at no cost, underscoring the government’s commitment to animal welfare.
“Veterinary hospitals are now equipped with the necessary anti-venom supplies and trained personnel to handle snakebite emergencies efficiently. This initiative will save countless animals’ lives and enhance the welfare of pets and livestock in the state,” said Khudian.
The Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s proactive approach emphasizes the importance of timely intervention in snakebite cases. Highlighting the critical nature of such emergencies, Khudian directed officials to educate pet owners and livestock farmers about the availability of this facility. He also urged them to recognize the signs of snakebites and seek immediate veterinary care when needed.
Principal Secretary (Animal Husbandry), Rahul Bhandari, instructed department officials to ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) for this facility are prominently displayed at every veterinary hospital to enhance awareness among farmers.
Dr. Gursharanjit Singh Bedi, Director of Animal Husbandry, elaborated on the preliminary symptoms of snakebites in animals, which include difficulty in breathing, fang marks on the body, pain, trembling and paralysis, and blood in the urine. He advised farmers against cutting or sucking the wound, recommending immediate transportation of the affected animal to the nearest veterinary hospital for professional care.
This initiative by the Punjab government is a significant step forward in ensuring that animals receive the urgent medical attention they need in snakebite emergencies, reaffirming its dedication to improving the state’s animal healthcare infrastructure.
