VETERINARY MEDICINES NOW CHEAPER!! Cabinet Approves Rs 3,880 Crore Livestock Health Scheme

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved significant enhancements to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), allocating Rs 3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26. A key addition to the scheme is the "Pashu Aushadhi" component, designed to provide farmers with high-quality, affordable generic veterinary medicines, mirroring the success of the Jan Aushadhi Yojana for human healthcare.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, addressing the media after the Cabinet meeting, highlighted that Rs 75 crore from the total budget would support the Pashu Aushadhi initiative. This funding will facilitate the supply of cost-effective veterinary drugs and offer incentives to boost their sale through PM Kisan Samridhi Kendras and cooperatives. Vaishnaw emphasized that the scheme would also revive and document traditional veterinary knowledge, blending indigenous practices with modern healthcare solutions to benefit India’s vast livestock sector.

The LHDCP, encompassing the National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) and broader disease control efforts, aims to safeguard livestock health—a critical component of rural livelihoods and agricultural economy, contributing over 30% to India’s agricultural Gross Value Added. The NADCP targets 100% vaccination of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and pigs against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis, with goals to control FMD by 2025 and eradicate it by 2030. The addition of Pashu Aushadhi strengthens this framework by ensuring affordable access to medicines for other prevalent livestock ailments.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers by reducing healthcare costs and enhancing animal productivity. By leveraging existing distribution networks and incentivizing sales, the scheme promises to make veterinary care more accessible. The focus on traditional knowledge could also foster sustainable practices, though specifics on implementation timelines and targeted diseases beyond FMD and Brucellosis remain forthcoming. With this move, India takes a significant step toward a healthier, more resilient livestock ecosystem.