Government veterinary dispensaries and hospitals, established to provide essential healthcare to livestock and other animals, have been reduced to abandoned structures in several villages in Mohali district, Punjab. A ground report by The Tribune reveals a troubling picture at four facilities: Mirzapur, Karoran, Parchh, and Kasauli.
Crumbling Infrastructure and Absent Staff
At each location, the infrastructure is crumbling, staff are absent, and medicine shelves are empty. Allegations have emerged that employees continue to draw salaries while the facilities remain virtually defunct. The Tribune's investigation highlights the systemic failure in Punjab's animal healthcare system, which directly impacts farmers and their livestock.
Farmers in the region rely on these government facilities for basic veterinary care, including vaccinations, treatment of common diseases, and emergency services. Without functional hospitals, they are forced to travel long distances or pay for expensive private care, which many cannot afford.
Impact on Livestock and Farmers
The neglect of these facilities has serious consequences for animal health and agricultural productivity. Livestock diseases can spread unchecked, leading to economic losses for farmers. The situation also raises concerns about the state's commitment to rural healthcare infrastructure.
According to The Tribune's report, the facilities in Mohali district are not isolated cases but part of a broader pattern across Punjab. The state has a large livestock population, and the failure to maintain veterinary services undermines the livelihoods of countless families.
"The situation is dire," said a local farmer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We have nowhere to take our sick animals. The government hospital is just a building with no medicines and no doctor."
Allegations of Fraud and Mismanagement
Sources within the department indicated that some employees are marking attendance but not reporting for duty. The Tribune's visit found no staff present at any of the four facilities during working hours. Medicine stocks were depleted, and equipment lay unused or broken.
The Punjab government has yet to respond to the findings. However, the report underscores the need for urgent reforms in the state's animal healthcare system, including better monitoring, accountability, and resource allocation.
Conclusion
The collapse of veterinary services in Mohali is a microcosm of a larger crisis. Without immediate intervention, the health of Punjab's livestock—and the farmers who depend on them—will continue to suffer.
