Baramulla: In a major step towards strengthening Veterinary Healthcare services in the district,the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Shri Minga Sherpa (IAS), today inaugurated modern diagnostic and surgicalfacilities at the Small Ruminant Veterinary Hospital (SRVH),Chijhama.
The initiative, implemented under theAspirational District Programme, is part of the approved project titled “Procurement of Equipment for SmallRuminant Veterinary Hospital, Chijhama, Baramulla under Aspirational District Programme, 2024-25 (5th AwardMoney).”The newly inaugurated units comprise an advanced X-Ray facility,Ultrasonography (USG) setup, and afully operational and well-equipped Operation Theatre (OT).
These upgrades are expected to significantly enhancethe hospital’s diagnostic and clinical capabilities. The X-Ray unit enables veterinary professionals to performthoracic, abdominal, pelvic, musculoskeletal, skull, and contrast radiography studies, which are vital for detectingfractures, structural abnormalities, and internal injuries. The USG facility supports obstetric, gynaecological, pelvic,and abdominalscans using B-mode and Doppler imaging techniques, aiding in pregnancy detection, reproductivehealth monitoring, and internal assessments.
The Operation Theatre is fully equipped to handle both routine andemergency surgeries such as caesarean sections, hernia repairs, rumenotomies, andorthopaedic proceduresincluding fracture fixation, critical interventions that were previously limited or required referrals.In his address, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the efforts of the Department Sheep HusbandryBaramulla and termed the upgraded hospital a game changer in the field of livestock healthcare. He described thefacility as a state-of-the-art model that will serve not only Baramulla district but the entire North Kashmir region.He highlighted that a wide range of critical veterinary services are now available under one roof, marking asignificant shift in accessible and efficient livestock care. He also announced that the hospital will be furtherupgraded to broaden its services and outreach.
Dr. Showkat Ahmad, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, briefed the Deputy Commissioner about thevarious technical and operational aspects of the new facilities. He explained the scope of diagnostic services andthe types of surgical interventions that willnow be performed at the hospital, as well as the anticipated benefitsto livestock farmers in the region.On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated the Kisan Khidmat Ghar established withinthe hospital premises.
This center will serve as a single-window facility where livestock farmers can apply onlinefor government schemes, access advisory services, and receive up-to-date information on animal healthprogrammes and welfare initiatives.The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the long-term impact such infrastructure will have on livestockproductivity and the livelihoods of rural farmers.
He underlined the need for replicating similar facilities in otherblocks of the district to ensure equitable access to quality veterinary care. During the event,fieldveterinarianswho had recently completed specializedHands-on training in radiology and ultrasonography organised byDepartment of Sheep HusbandryBaramullain collaboration withFaculty of Veterinary Sciences, SKUAST Kashmirwere felicitated.
The inauguration event was attended by senior officers,scientists, veterinary professionals,and locallivestock farmers, who all welcomed the development as a long-overdue milestone in the region’s animal healthmanagement-(JKNS)
