SHILLONG:
Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Alexander Laloo Hek, on April 28, said the government will soon set up the first ever full-fledged veterinary hospital in Shillong.
He said the site for the project will be at Upper Shillong. According to him, the proposal will be submitted to the Centre for sanctioning of funds.
Speaking to reporters, Hek said, “A detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared for the setting up of the veterinary hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 94 crore.”
When asked, he said that the DPR will be completed by next month while adding that “we will immediately seek financial support from the Centre in order to speed up the setting up of this very important hospital in the state.”
Hek said that the state is presently equipped with only veterinary dispensaries under the Directorate of Veterinary in East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
“Therefore, it is high time that we get a full-fledged veterinary hospital which will be a great blessing for the people of the state,” he added.
Further, the minister informed that at present the state has over 17 veterinary mobile units which are functioning on trial basis.
Stating that the state has over 264 veterinary doctors, Hek said, “Once the state has its own dedicated veterinary hospital, the department will find out ways and means to accommodate new doctors, veterinary assistants and other staff.”