Bhubaneswar: All veterinary doctors in the state, from August 25, have been wearing black badges as a mark of protest after repeatedly drawing the government’s attention over the years to the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the veterinary healthcare system. Currently, against a required strength of 5,000 doctors, only 1,000 veterinary doctors are providing animal healthcare in the state. As a result, each veterinary doctor is bearing a workload four times heavier than what is reasonable.
Furthermore, due to the lack of promotional opportunities, many doctors are compelled to work for 2 to 3 years on the same pay scale, alleged members of Odisha Veterinary Services Association. To address the issue, the association demanded a restructured system and inclusion under the Central pay scales, such as DACP (Dynamic Assured Career Progression) and NPA (Non-Practising Allowance). “Due to the lack of government vehicles, block veterinary officers and additional veterinary officers are forced to travel long distances daily using their personal vehicles and at their own expense. When faced with adverse weather or medical emergencies, if any veterinary doctor fails to meet the targeted deadline, strict disciplinary actions are taken against them. Because of this fear, many officers are now prioritising government schemes distribution over treating animals, resulting in poor delivery of veterinary services,” the association alleged.
In addition, the association has raised several other demands, including regularisation of pending leave approvals, prevention of sexual harassment cell, appropriate security and insurance for doctors engaged in treatment of wild animals, clear duty schedules and work responsibilities.
