State launches 1962 ambulance service for cattle

The Public Private Partnership (PPP) between Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS) and GVK-Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) management has resulted in the launch of a service, using which people can dial the number 1962 to get treatment for ailing cattle like cows, buffaloes, bulls and goats at their doorstep.  

Officials say that this service will largely benefit those rearing cattle and sick animals can be sent to nearby veterinary hospitals in a short time. The government had in September 2016 planned to implement this scheme. Thereafter, officials from TANUVAS had sent 10 such ambulances to five districts, Tiruchy, Madurai, Kancheepuram, Namakkal and Thanjavur. However, the public was yet to be made aware and those ambulances remained stationed at the district veterinary headquarters. 

“As ambulances are already stationed in five districts, we will launch this scheme soon. We will create a strong awareness on the 1962 service,” said an official who did not wish to be named. The scheme would be extended to other districts after getting response from the public, the official added. “On-site medical care will also be provided to the cattle. If ambulatory transport is required, the cattle will be transported onto the ambulance by the hydraulic lift and shifted to nearby veterinary clinics for further treatment,” said B Prabudoss, Head, Tamil Nadu Marketing and Communication, GVK-EMRI. These ambulances are equipped with emergency medicines and equipment to provide the needed care to the cattle in distress.

After a distress call is received at 1962 Emergency Response Centre, details such as district, name of the caller, type of emergency would be gathered swiftly and transferred to the district mobile veterinary officer. Further, online medical direction would be provided immediately. Depending on the emergency, Animal Mobile Medical Ambulance with Mobile veterinary officer would reach the doorstep of the livestock owner.