On World Veterinary Day, veterinarians should be honoured

Every year ‘World Veterinary Day’ is celebrated on April 26. The day is commemorated across the world to recognize the immense social contribution of the veterinary sector and the selfless service of veterinarians. 
This year’s theme for the day is ‘animal health – a team effort’, and it is to recognize the joint efforts of veterinarians, pharmacists and livestock farmers.

Veterinary sector has been contributing significantly by saving the lives of livestock through emergency treatment, providing medical contribution to the continuous production of essential food items like milk, eggs, and meat, monitoring to prevent diseases from animals to human, maintaining the health of pets and serving the mental health of people, providing guidelines to improve the livelihood of farmers, protecting rare species in the wild, preventing diseases through vaccination, and creating high-quality livestock through artificial insemination and genetic techniques.

Medicines for measles, caesarean section, polio, and corona vaccines were initially tested on animals before giving to humans. Products obtained from livestock - milk, eggs, meat, leather, pharmaceuticals, and natural fertilizers - fulfill domestic needs and play an important role in the development of the country.
The undergraduate course – BVSc and AH – comprises four years of theoretical study and one year of training at hospitals. Those who complete the course will get the opportunity to enter the Indian Civil Service and rise to high positions such as District Collector and Superintendent of Police. There are postgraduate courses and research opportunities in various fields.

Veterinarians have placed various demands in front of the government, and it is the responsibility of the government to take measures to protect their interests. 
Their demands include fulfilling basic infrastructure facilities at hospitals, enhancing their salary, promotion and security, increasing the number of staff at veterinary hospitals, incentives and scholarships to students.
On the world veterinary day, programmes should be organized and awards should be distributed. In addition, everyone should appreciate those who treat their pets, provide food items and first aid to organizations that protect helpless animals, and organize free vaccination camps and awareness rallies.

The government should take immediate steps to recognize the service of veterinarians.