SHILLONG, March 12: The fragile state of veterinary healthcare in Meghalaya came under sharp scrutiny in the Assembly on Wednesday, as the Opposition pressed the government over its failure to strengthen medical facilities for livestock across the state.
With animal husbandry playing a crucial role in the rural economy, the debate centered on the chronic under-resourcing of veterinary dispensaries — most notably, the Rajpur (Bhaitbari) dispensary in West Garo Hills, which has remained only partially functional for nearly nine years.
The Opposition highlighted how the lack of proper veterinary infrastructure not only threatens the livelihoods of livestock farmers but also reflects a larger pattern of neglect in animal healthcare services. They pointed to the dispensary in Bhaitbari as a prime example of this neglect, noting that despite being operational since 2016, it lacks regular staff, a veterinary doctor, and essential medical facilities.
Raising strong concerns in the Assembly, Opposition TMC MLA from Rajabala, Mizanur Kazi, underscored the dispensary’s importance to the region, which heavily depends on livestock farming. He questioned why the facility still lacked a full-time veterinary doctor and regular staff, leaving it to function with only a veterinary assistant and a chowkidar.
In response, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong admitted that the dispensary was not fully functional due to the absence of sanctioned posts. He explained that the current staff had been redeployed from other offices and that the department was still in the process of preparing a proposal for regular appointments.
Pressing further, Kazi sought assurance from the government that the dispensary would be made fully operational as soon as possible, stressing the urgent need for proper veterinary care in the area. Tynsong assured the House that the process was moving swiftly and acknowledged similar issues in other sub-centres. He promised that once the necessary sanctions were approved, steps would be taken to fill the vacancies.
Issues beyond staffing
The Opposition’s concerns extended beyond staffing. VPP MLA from Nongkrem, Ardent Basaiawmoit, questioned the availability of medicines and vaccines at the dispensary, particularly for common livestock ailments such as fever and diarrhoea. Tynsong responded that basic treatments, including deworming and vaccinations, were available and that efforts were being made to raise awareness about livestock diseases.
TMC MLA from Nongthymmai, Charles Pyngrope, broadened the debate by questioning whether the State Animal Welfare Board, mandated by an Act of Parliament, had been constituted and what steps it had taken to improve veterinary facilities across Meghalaya. While Tynsong confirmed the board’s existence, he was unable to provide details about its activities or recent recommendations, requesting notice to furnish the information later.
