Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen yesterday inaugurated the national veterinary hospital in Motithang that would provide health services from diagnostic to therapeutic services.

The three-storied hospital, located near the Ozone Park, is expected to meet the increasing demand for modern animal care and treatment requirements for pets and domestic animals.

Agriculture minister, Yeshey Dorji, said that the old national animal hospital at Chubachu and its amenities were unable to cope with the demand for modern animal care and treatment requirements for animals within Thimphu thromde and referral cases from other dzongkhags.

He said the hospital at Chubachu catered to 5,649 new and 12,361 follow up cases in 2017. “From 2014 – 2017, registered pets have increased almost by a third.”

The minister said that there are about 6,000 registered pet dogs and cats in Thimphu thromde.

He said that as 60 percent of human diseases originate from animals, effective control of diseases in animals would directly protect human health and contribute towards Gross National Happiness. “Therefore, services to animals will indeed be service to mankind.”

Agriculture secretary, Rinzin Dorji, said that with the new infrastructure in place, the ministry would put in place necessary human resources, diagnostic equipment and treatment facilities to ensure the provision of world-class animal care services. “On this auspicious occasion, we re-dedicate and pledge to provide the best of care and treatment to our animals in Bhutan.”

The inauguration commemorated the golden jubilee of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and India, as the government of India funded Nu 57 million for the hospital’s construction.

The prime minister, senior government officials, and the Indian ambassador to Bhutan attended the inaugural ceremony.

The hospital’s ground level would contain ward, cabins for animals, and doctor’s quarter, while the second level would have facilities such as consultation, operation and vaccination room, and laboratory. The third floor would have offices and a conference hall.

Karma Cheki