It is 9.00 am on a Saturday. The spacious yard outside the veterinary dispensary in Appakudal Village in Bavani Taluk has started receiving its stream of visitors . A very vocal goat has come for de-worming and a dose of antibiotics. Its high pitched bleats has completely upset Timmy ‘the dog who has come there to set his leg right. He broke his hind leg in a fight with other dogs. Waiting patiently there is also a more docile pet dog who is there for her anti rabies shots. A cow is waiting her turn for artificial insemination.
This bustling village veterinary hospital plays a crucial role in the lives of the farmers and villagers. Most of them have livestock and cattle for milk and meat. Healthcare of these animals is ensured by these primary health centres at nominal costs. Neutering male dogs costs rupees 75, and artificial insemination for cows costs rupees 10. Each dispensary is headed by a Veterinarian who has a team made up of a compounder and an assistant. These dispensaries are set up under the auspices of the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services by the state government of Tamil Nadu. Every year numerous schemes are launched for the benefit of small and marginal farmers. In the last year 101 families from this panchayat were identified from below the poverty line and were given four goats each. Free sorghum seeds are also distributed.
In April, small farmer Rasu sought the help of the centre to help his cow get on her feet after she calved. She had had partial paralysis in her hind legs post delivery and the vet had made several farm visits to hook her onto IV fluids and advise on further treatment . “It is of great help to us small farmers that we can get immediate medical help for our cows and goats in our own village. That way we can save so much of time and money,” says Rasu. Calcium deficiency is a major cause of concern in cows and goats says vet Sureshkumar. “Typically the village dispensaries get large animals and cattle while the ones in towns get pet dogs and cats. Stomach and gut problems are common problems faced by farm animals,”, he says.
The efficient attender and the doctor have in the mean time cleaned and sutured ‘warrior Timmys wounded leg. A cast has been fitted and he will take a couple of weeks to recover . The relieved owner and sedated canine leave, happy.
