Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Oct 12: West Bengal will soon have 375 fair price medicine shops for pet animals and birds under the Directorate of Animal Resources and Animal Health of the state Animal Resources Development Department.

The department has issued a notification stating that the shops, popularly known as Pashu Aushadhi Vikray Kendras (PAVKs), will be established under the Union government's Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme.

A department official said the PAVKs would cater not only to pet owners but also to people dependent on livestock for their livelihoods.

“Of the 375 PAVKs, the main one will be at the state level, which will be at the state capital of Kolkata. Similarly, there will be 30 district-level PAVKs and 344 block-level PAVKs,” the official said.

The shops will offer medicines and vaccines for pet animals, including dogs, at significantly lower prices than those charged by private pet shops and veterinary clinics.

A state government official said the initiative was expected to address alleged irregularities in the sale and prescription of veterinary medicines and vaccines.

“It is often alleged, which to an extent is true, that a major scam has been going on for quite some time with animal medicines and vaccines involving a section of the veterinary doctors and representatives of pharmaceutical companies manufacturing veterinary medicines and vaccines,” the official said.

Explaining the alleged malpractice, the official said some veterinary doctors were accused of prescribing medicines and vaccines from specific brands instead of generic alternatives in return for hefty commissions and other benefits from pharmaceutical company representatives.

“Once these fair price medicine shops are operative, such alleged scams will automatically get restricted, and pet owners will benefit as they will be relieved of purchasing branded medicines at exorbitant prices,” the official said.

The official added that the PAVKs would also address difficulties faced by people in remote areas who depend on livestock for their livelihoods. The decision to establish 344 shops at the block level was taken with their requirements in mind.

The announcement has brought cheer to pet owners, who often complain about the high cost of veterinary medicines and vaccines.

“Often, we have to purchase medicines and vaccines for our pets, especially rabies vaccines for our puppies, at exorbitant prices since the veterinary doctors only prescribe branded medicines at premium prices. Now this initiative by the state government will solve that problem to a great extent,” said Jayita Srakr, a Kolkata-based pet lover.