Marking a significant step toward rural development, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AHVS) inaugurated a Veterinary Sub Dispensary (VSD) at Rabindra Nagar Panchayat in Little Andaman on July 1. The sub-centre is currently operating out of a temporary facility and is expected to significantly improve animal healthcare in the region.
The VSD will serve approximately 5,000 residents across 700 households, providing care to an estimated 11,000 animals including 1,500 livestock, 500 dogs, and 9,000 poultry and ducks. The opening ceremony was attended by local panchayat representatives and villagers, who expressed appreciation for the long-awaited facility.
As part of the launch, the department distributed 140 ducklings, 60 duck eggs, and 300 quail eggs to local residents to support poultry and duck farming activities. The initiative reflects the department’s broader goals of improving veterinary infrastructure and encouraging sustainable rural livelihoods.
The sub-dispensary fills a long-standing gap in essential veterinary services for this remote area. Until now, many residents had to travel considerable distances to access basic animal health services. With the opening of the VSD, locals will have easier and timelier access to vaccinations, deworming, disease control, and general consultations. This is particularly important for agrarian and fishing communities where livestock plays a key role in family income and food security.
Additionally, the move supports broader government objectives of livestock development and animal health under various national and UT-level missions. It also aligns with the island’s focus on self-reliance and decentralized public service delivery.
Community enthusiasm for the dispensary highlights the importance of inclusive planning and service extension in the islands. PRI representatives acknowledged the Administration’s responsiveness and called for continued investment in rural veterinary services.
