The government is set to establish Pashu Aushadhi stores nationwide to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines for livestock farmers and dairy owners. Modeled after the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), these stores aim to reduce the cost of animal healthcare and improve livestock health under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
Pashu Aushadhi Kendras
- Objective: The initiative aims to provide low-cost, quality veterinary medicines to animal husbandry and dairy farmers, reducing their financial burden on healthcare.
- Inspired by PMBJK: The model follows the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which offer affordable generic medicines to human patients.
- Nationwide Reach: Over 10,300 PMBJKs are operational across India, and the government aims to replicate this success for veterinary medicines.
Generic Medicines for Animals
- Definition: Generic medicines are non-branded drugs sold under their chemical name instead of a brand name.
- Human vs. Animal Medicines: While PMBJKs cater to human healthcare, Pashu Aushadhi stores will exclusively provide medicines for livestock and other animals.
Part of Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)
- Government Approval: The Union Cabine approved the revised LHDCP on March 5.
- Budget Allocation: The scheme has an overall budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26, with ₹75 crore allocated for Pashu Aushadhi stores.
Livestock Population And Health Challenges
- Current Livestock Numbers: According to the 20th Livestock Census (2019), India had 535.78 million livestock, including 302.79 million bovines.
- Common Diseases: Diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF), and Lumpy Skin Disease significantly impact productivity.
- Financial Burden: Farmers spend a large portion of their income on treating livestock illnesses.
- Vaccination Drives: The government has been conducting vaccination campaigns to control livestock diseases.
- Role of LHDCP: The programme aims to minimize disease-related economic losses by immunizing animals and ensuring access to affordable medicines.
Operational Framework of Pashu Aushadhi Stores
- Store Management: These stores will be operated by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK).
- Regulatory Guidelines: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will release operational guidelines soon.
- Ethnoveterinary Medicines: Pashu Aushadhi stores will also stock traditional veterinary formulations based on indigenous knowledge.
- NDDB’s Role: The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has developed formulations for treating common livestock ailments like mastitis, fever, diarrhoea, bloating, and worm infections.
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