Govt to compensate cattle farmers for LSD losses
Staff Reporter
Shillong, Sept 19: The state government has assured to pay compensation to cattle farmers after over 9,000 cattle have been affected by the Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in the State.
Replying in the Assembly today, Minister in-charge Animal Husbandry & Veterinary AL Hek said no compensation has been provided to cattle farmers in the wake of LSD.
However, when opposition VPP legislator from Nongkrem Ardent M Basaiawmoit sought to know if the government is contemplating providing compensation to cattle farmers, who were compelled to close down their farms due to LSD, Hek said, “Government is going to pay compensation (to cattle farmers).”
He said that over 9,000 cattle were affected by LSD in the State.
Hek also informed that four veterinary hospitals and 125 dispensaries are providing medicines and vaccination to cattle against the disease.
On the other hand, the minister informed that Rs 16,20,000 compensation was provided to farmers during 2020-21 for the deaths of 540 pigs due to African Swine Fever disease.
When Basaiawmoit alleged the swine fever disease happened ever since the government started distributing piglets, which are from outside the state, Hek said, “We are not a self-sufficient State that is why we have to depend from outside the State.”
Vet hospital to come up in Shillong
Minister in charge of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Alexander Laloo Hek today said the government will soon set up the first-ever full-fledged veterinary hospital in Shillong.
“A detailed project report is being prepared for the setting up of the veterinary hospital at an estimated cost of Rs 94 crore,” Hek told reporters.
He said the site for the project will be at Upper Shillong and the proposal will be submitted to the Centre for sanctioning of funds.
Meghalaya is yet to have its own full-fledged veterinary hospital despite completing 50 years of statehood.
Hek said that the state is presently equipped with only veterinary dispensaries under the Directorate of Veterinary in East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.
“Therefore, it is high time that we get a full-fledged veterinary hospital which will be a great blessing for the people of the state,” he added.
When asked, Hek said that the DPR will be completed by next month while adding that “we will immediately seek financial support from the Centre in order to speed up the setting up of this very important hospital in the state.”
Further, the minister informed that at present the state has over 17 veterinary mobile units which are functioning on a trial basis.
Stating that the state has over 264 veterinary doctors, Hek said, “Once the state has its own dedicated veterinary hospital, the department will find out ways and means to accommodate new doctors, veterinary assistants and other staff.”
State facing shortage of medicines
The District Medical & Health Officer of East Khasi Hills Dr A Lyngdoh has admitted that there is shortage of medicines at present due to a transition of procurement of drugs in the state.
This was stated in an action taken report in connection with the treatment of typhoid fever cases at Shella PHC and Ichamati CHC sent to the HYC general secretary Roykupar Synrem here.
This came after the HYC had written to the DM&HO for providing adequate medicines in the two health centres for the treatment of typhoid fever and to conduct investigation into the causes of such disease.
“There is a shortage of medicines at present since there is a transition of procurement of drugs from the state to the newly constituted corporation viz Meghalayan Medical Drugs & Services Limited (MMDSL). We are hereby submitting to the DHS (MI)/MMDSL the list of drugs that are required to combat the current crisis,” Dr Lyngdoh said in the action taken report.
She also informed that a team from the IDSP cell will be visiting Shella on April 28, to conduct an investigation for verification of the cases and identifying the source of illness.
A letter has been issued to all facilities including Shella & Ichamati to conduct awareness programmes on the symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of the diseases, Dr Lyngdoh added.
Hamlet appointed as CM’s adviser
Staff Reporter
Shillong, April 5: Former Mylliem MLA and former Cabinet Minister Hamletson Dohling has been appointed as adviser to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
This was informed by the Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Chief Minister’s Secretariat.
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