Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 6: The long-awaited government veterinary hospital at Sonsoddo-Raia in South Goa is finally ready and set to be inaugurated on November 9. The facility will mark a milestone for the state as it becomes the first government animal hospital in Goa to offer x-ray and sonography services for animals.
Speaking to media, Nitin Naik, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS), said, “This development will greatly improve animal healthcare services in South Goa.”
Interestingly, similar diagnostic equipment installed at the government veterinary hospital in Tonca, North Goa, nearly four months ago, remains non-functional due to a shortage of technical staff. “Hence, the Sonsoddo hospital will become the first in the state to start operational sonography and diagnostic imaging for animals,” Naik added.
The new hospital, situated in the Curtorim constituency, has been completed at a cost of over Rs 3 crore. Initially scheduled for completion by January 2019, the project faced multiple delays before being pushed to September 2021. Its formal inauguration was earlier expected on August 15 this year.
Officials stated that the newly equipped facility, along with the relocation of staff, will significantly strengthen veterinary infrastructure in South Goa. Assistant Director of the Sonsoddo Veterinary Hospital, Atanazia Fernandes, will oversee operations once the facility becomes functional.
The hospital complex consists of a basement, ground floor, and upper ground floor. The ground floor will cater to both large and small animals, while the upper floor will primarily handle small animals and include essential facilities.
In addition to diagnostic services, the hospital will also provide immunisations for various zoonotic diseases, artificial insemination, livestock insurance health certification, and advisory services on animal husbandry and care.
The inauguration is expected to draw veterinarians, animal welfare activists, and local residents eager to witness a major advancement in Goa’s veterinary healthcare network.