Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 August 2024
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (DAH&VS) has made a significant move in response to the longstanding requests from pet lovers and animal activists by inaugurating its first evening Outpatient Department (OPD) at the Veterinary Hospital in Garacharma. The new evening OPD was officially inaugurated on 13th August 2024, by Mr. L. Kumar, IAS, Secretary, AH&VS, A&N Administration, in the presence of Mr. V. Vetrivelu, Councillor of Ward No. 19, Ms. Jyothi, Pradhan of Sippighat, local farmers, and staff from the DAH&VS.
In his inaugural address, Secretary L. Kumar commended the initiative, highlighting the crucial role the evening OPD will play in providing veterinary services to the community. “This evening OPD will greatly benefit the residents in and around the area, allowing them to seek veterinary advice for their pets and animals during the evening hours,” he said, emphasizing the increased accessibility the new hours will offer.
Dr. K. A. Naveen, Director of AH&VS, elaborated on the objectives of the evening OPD, noting that the service is part of a broader plan to enhance veterinary care in the region. He also mentioned the upcoming installation of modern equipment and machinery, which will further improve the hospital’s capabilities. Dr. Baljeet Kaur, Senior Veterinary Officer at Garacharma, welcomed the gathering and provided an overview of the hospital’s operations, underscoring the importance of this new service.
Garacharma, known as a hub for livestock and pets, has been witnessing a rising number of evening accidents involving animals, which often require immediate veterinary attention. The hospital, which already handles approximately 400 OPD visits daily, expanded its hours to address these urgent needs, based on recommendations from local ward members and residents.
The new evening OPD, which will operate daily from 4:00 PM to 11:55 PM, is expected to be a boon for office-goers who previously struggled to access veterinary services after work. Until now, the Veterinary Hospital at Garacharma was only open for consultations until 4:00 PM, with emergency services available around the clock. This extension of hours marks a significant step forward in ensuring that animals in the region receive timely and effective care, especially during critical evening hours.