Veterinary Hospital lacks equipment

Malkajgiri: The Malkajgiri Veterinary Hospital at the Gandhi Park is one of the oldest in the city but lacks essential equipment. On an average 30-35 cases are handled at the hospital. Established in the 50s, the hospital saw better days. It was reconstructed in 2018, but the infrastructure has not been upgraded.

The hospital is manned by just three – a doctor, veterinary assistant and office clerk. The staff say they need more hands. There is a refrigerator to store medicines, 3 vaccination containers, a semen tank, two glucose stands, a boiler sterilization machine, an outdated version microscope and base tool kits. "The equipment is just not enough as we treat more than 11,000-12,000 animals per year."

The hospital provides vaccination including FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination), HS (Hemorrhagic Septicemia Vaccination) and BQ (Black Quarter) Vaccination is regularly administered to cows, Buffalos, and other dairy animals. Similarly PPR (Pes-De-Petis Rumininlis), Sheep Pox, Goat Pox, Deworming is given to the animals.

Karthik, a local resident, said the hospital closes at 1:30 pm. It would be better if they extend the timings. Complicated cases are being referred to Narayanaguda or Bhoiguda Veterinary Hospitals. He further added, "At times there isn't even basic things such as syringes and cotton."Dr Swathi, doctor at Malkajgiri Veterinary Hospital says, "There is a need for awareness camps especially to drill in the idea into people not to treat animals on their own."