Run-down building, crumbling medical infrastructure, no electricity, rationed water, crisis of caregivers - the only government-owned veterinary hospital in East Singhbhum has taken cruelty to animals to the next level.
The 3,000sqft, four-room facility in Jugsalai, Jamshedpur, was built in the early 1950s. No one knows if and when the hospital was last revamped. Clinically speaking, it has been power-less for more than 15 years because the animal husbandry department never cleared dues it owed to the erstwhile Jharkhand State Electricity Board (JSEB). Leaking roof and peeling plaster, on the other hand, have been salient features for as long as one can remember.
Veterinary surgeon Dr Manoj Kumar said functional constraints had always been normal.
"The hospital is open from 9am to 3pm because we prefer treating animals - mostly dogs, pigs and cattle (cows and goats) - when the sun is still up and bright. We have no electricity. Space is a constraint too, which is why we are often requested to visit ailing animals at farms and homes," he said.
On an average, the hospital witnesses 15 patients a day. Out of the five sanctioned posts, one is still vacant. While surgeon Kumar joined a month ago, a wound dresser, a clerk and a night guard have been on duty for quite a few years.
"A doctor and a dresser are not enough when you have a steady stream of animals during an outbreak. The hospital should be revamped and its manpower boosted," said one of the members of staff, requesting anonymity.
District animal husbandry officer Dr Taran Singh conceded the perennial problems plaguing the vet hospital, but evaded pointed queries saying he was busy at a departmental meeting.
Rajendra Pandey, a BJP leader and resident of Naya Bazaar in Jugsalai who owns three cows, said he either took his animals to a private vet or urged the government doctor to come home.
"There is no room for treatment at the vet hospital. The building is crumbling, dank and dirty. How can a hospital, even if for animals, run in such unhygienic condition? It is better to call doctors home or take animals to the Jusco veterinary hospital in Sakchi, which is but expensive," Pandey said.
Director of animal husbandry Rajni Kant Tirkey said apart from the state-run hospital, there were 20 veterinary dispensaries in East Singhbhum where animals could be taken for treatment.
"We are aware of the problems, but cannot undertake renovation work or provide electricity through proper agencies because of a land dispute. The matter is sub judice in Jamshedpur civil courts," Tirkey said, refusing to elaborate further on the pending case.
Should the court step in to help improve animal healthcare? Tell ttkhand@abpmail.com
