Panaji: State govt is moving forward with Bicholim’s new veterinary dispensary, with a Rs 13 crore veterinary hospital in Mulgao being executed by Infotech Corporation of Goa Ltd.The project will feature a mini diagnostic lab with X-ray and sonography facilities, making it the third govt veterinary hospital to have the advanced equipment solely for animals.“The new project comes as a result of growing demand for affordable veterinary services in Bicholim taluka, with pet owners often relying on expensive private clinics due to limited diagnostic capabilities,” said an official from the department of animal husbandry and veterinary services.Veterinary ultrasonography is used for abdominal imaging, pregnancy diagnosis and echocardiography in pets, livestock and exotic species to detect organ abnormalities and fluid accumulation. Currently, only govt veterinary hospitals at Sonsodo and Tonca have these machines installed, with the recruitment of trained technicians still pending.The veterinary dispensary will also have spaces for vaccinations, treatment and other services besides artificial insemination services for cattle and buffaloes.In addition, govt has also planned a Rs 2.5 crore facility that will come up at Chicalim to replace the rented veterinary dispensary in Vasco. “The Chicalim project was stalled for nearly a decade due to pending construction approvals, including clearances from the Navy, which were secured only recently. The hospital will provide a permanent and better-equipped set-up,” the official said.
