Panaji: Goa is set to overhaul its veterinary healthcare infrastructure through a four-tier network of institutions, upgraded diagnostic facilities, mobile veterinary units and animal ambulances under a state action plan. The plan designates the govt veterinary hospital in Tonca as the state-level super-speciality centre, with district hospitals at Mapusa, Sonsodo-Margao and Sanguem.Sanguem’s veterinary dispensary will be upgraded to a district hospital, while 12 designated taluka and block hospitals will serve as intermediate referral centres.At the grassroots level, veterinary dispensaries will function as primary veterinary care centres, supported by village sub-centres operating as field-level paravet centres.Implementation is proposed in three phases over 24 months. During the first six months, primary centres are to receive essential diagnostic and surgical equipment, improved examination facilities, sanitation infrastructure and power backup. Mobile veterinary units equipped for diagnostics and minor surgery are also proposed, alongside a 24-hour toll-free helpline and dispatch centre.Between months six and 12, all 12 block hospitals are slated for upgrades, including X-ray and ultrasound equipment, surgical facilities, inpatient wards and post-mortem infrastructure. Each block hospital is to have at least one fully equipped animal ambulance for emergency transport and rescue.The final phase, spanning months 12 to 24, envisages advanced facilities at Tonca, including CT scanning, colour doppler, blood transfusion, laparoscopic surgery and specialised treatment services.Diagnostic laboratories are also planned at Mapusa, Sonsodo-Margao, Sanguem and Tonca, alongside an epidemiological data-processing unit at Tonca to analyse animal disease patterns.In a separate notification on Oct 27, govt adopted the guidelines for minimum standards of veterinary institutions for Goa for statewide implementation, which will be monitored and reviewed by a committee constituted for minimum standards of veterinary institutions, with revisions undertaken as necessary. The adoption also fulfils a mandatory qualifying criterion under the Centre’s special assistance to states for capital investment scheme for 2026-27, linked to reforms in the livestock sector. Together, the measures seek to improve poultry transport compliance, animal welfare and veterinary healthcare across Goa.
