Veterinary cases rising in East Khasi Hills

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: There has been a surge in the number of people bringing their pets and other livestock for treatment especially during the lockdown period, stated Dr Arwaka Laloo, District Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Officer. The veterinarian also stated that to tackle the increasing number of cases, there should have been two more doctors to provide medical assistance to the animals being brought to the Veterinary Hospital at GS Road, Garikhana, East Khasi Hills, Lumdiengjri here.

Speaking to The Sentinel, Dr Laloo pointed out, "The issue of doctors' shortage has arisen as people from outside the city are also coming here to get their pets and livestock checked despite the fact that we have centers at Nongkrem and at various other blocks in the district."

She added, "It's difficult to speed up the checking process as there are only two doctors at the hospital while around 100 people are bringing their animals for check up daily. During weekends the number increases. Hence there is a need for additional doctors at the hospital for things to run smoothly and faster."

She, however, said that all the cases have been registered in the hospital. "This is the season when many pets and livestock fall sick. So, we need two more additional doctors at the hospital to share the responsibilities of the doctors and staffs present at the hospital," she said. She informed, "The doctors have to attend certain cases at the hospital till 8 pm. People come from villages which are quite far away; hence we always accept the cases." 

Also Read: Return of migrants leads to COVID-19 spike in Northeast