State to get first superspeciality veterinary hospital at New Town
Times of India | 28 March 2025
123 Kolkata: The city is set to get its seventh govt-run veterinary hospital at New Town. This will also be the state's first superspeciality veterinary hospital where medical services will include an operation theatre for complex surgeries, a critical care unit, X-ray, blood tests, regular vaccination services, and other necessary treatments for animals.
In a recent board meeting, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) finalised its decision to set up the five-storey veterinary hospital at Chakpachuria, close to Eco Park. It will be run jointly with the state animal resources development (ARD) department. As per plans, the NKDA will construct and run the hospital while the state animal resources development department will provide infrastructure and hire specialist veterinarians.
According to NKDA sources, the proposed hospital will cater not only to pet dogs and cats in the city but also to various domestic animals like cows, goats, ducks, and chickens in the surrounding Rajarhat block, which comprises five village panchayats. "If things work out smoothly, we expect that the new hospital will be operational in the next one year and a half," said an NKDA official.
State minister of the ARD department, Swapan Debnath, told TOI: "A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the NKDA and our department to come up with the superspeciality veterinary hospital in New Town. We have sought approval of Rs 15 crore from the urban development and municipal affairs department. Once the funds are sanctioned, a tender will be floated to start the work of the hospital."
Currently, the city's six other govt-run veterinary hospitals, situated at Belgachhia, Behala, Thakurpukur, Alipore, Sonarpur, and Salt Lake, have only outpatient services. There are about 729 govt-run veterinary hospitals and clinics across the state.
Animal activist Sushmita Roy said, "At present, no govt-run veterinary hospital offers indoor services. Some years ago, the Belgachhia hospital started the service but shut it down. The private veterinary clinics charge high fees for this. Once the upcoming hospital starts operations at New Town, the NGOs will benefit from availing of free services for strays."
Some years ago, the NKDA opened a clinic and creche for pet dogs under Patharghata Gram Panchayat in New Town and a burial ground for animals. Since the pandemic, the clinic has become non-functional. The NKDA official said, "Our survey shows a rise in the number of pet lovers in New Town. Many residents have pedigree pets while several others have adopted strays. Following the requests of residents, we proposed the idea of setting up the superspeciality veterinary hospital with modern equipment and facilities in the township."
Residents have welcomed the NKDA's move as they will get respite from travelling to Belgachhia or Salt Lake for the treatment of pets. Suravi Mukherjee, a pet owner who works with strays in the township, said, "The new hospital will be of immense help to us as all veterinary services will be available under one roof. Now we have to take street dogs, rescued by us, to Belgachhia all the way from Belgachhia."
Another New Town resident, Amitabh Vimal, said, "Private veterinary clinics have become too expensive. The new govt-run hospital will provide relief to pet owners like me."
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