In a significant move towards revolutionizing animal healthcare, the Government of India’s Think Tank – NITI Aayog, has introduced advisory guidelines for livestock telemedicine. The guidelines aim to provide efficient and accessible healthcare services for animals and bridge the gap in veterinary infrastructure across the country. Under the new framework, NITI Aayog has implemented a system of unique user IDs for Registered Veterinary Practitioners and animal keepers. This ensures secure and efficient communication between practitioners and pet owners during telemedicine consultations.
Mandatory Consent from Animal Keepers
To protect the rights and privacy of animal keepers, the guidelines require mandatory consent before initiating any telemedicine consultation. This ensures that the animal keeper actively participates in the decision-making process and is aware of the telemedicine process.
Immunity from Penalties during Emergency Situations
One of the key highlights of the guidelines is the immunity granted to RVPs from any penal action if they are unable to establish a veterinarian-client-animal relationship during telemedicine consultations in emergency situations. This provision allows veterinarians to provide timely assistance without fear of legal repercussions.
Limitations of Telemedicine
While telemedicine offers numerous advantages, there are specific limitations outlined in the guidelines. Telemedicine cannot be used for licensing of pets, trauma certificates, quarantine clearance, fitness certificates, birth/death certificates, and euthanasia. These critical procedures will continue to be conducted in-person to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the process.
One Nation One Health Vision
The implementation of efficient veterinary services is a crucial step towards achieving the vision of “One Nation One Health.” By ensuring better healthcare for animals, the overall health and wellbeing of the nation’s population, particularly in rural areas, can be significantly improved.
Addressing the Shortage of Veterinary Institutions
India faces a significant shortage of veterinary institutions and veterinarians, with approximately 41,000 veterinarians for a massive livestock population of about 53.58 crores. As per the National Commission on Agriculture norms (1976), one veterinary doctor or institution is required for every 5,000 animals. Livestock telemedicine serves as a viable solution to this shortage, providing remote healthcare access to rural and underserved areas.
NITIVeT Web-Based System
NITI Aayog has introduced the NITIVeT portal, a web-based system that facilitates telemedicine consultations in English, Hindi, and Gujarati languages. This platform connects animal keepers with RVPs in real-time within their respective districts. Telemedicine consultations on NITIVeT can include text, audio, or video calls for evaluation, examination, and recommendations. Additionally, RVPs can suggest laboratory tests, in-person physical examinations, and prescribe medicines, including traditional remedies.
Benefits of Livestock Telemedicine
Implementing livestock telemedicine brings forth several advantages that contribute to the overall improvement of animal healthcare and the veterinary infrastructure in India:
- Faster Healthcare Access: Livestock telemedicine ensures animals receive timely healthcare services, reducing the risk of complications and providing quick relief to suffering animals.
- Reduced Financial Burden: Telemedicine can alleviate the financial burden on animal keepers, as it reduces the need for frequent visits to veterinary clinics and minimizes travel expenses.
- Increased Efficiency: By leveraging telemedicine, the burden on the existing veterinary infrastructure is reduced, allowing veterinarians to focus on critical cases and allocate resources more efficiently.
- Safety from Contagious Diseases: Telemedicine consultations help protect animals, animal keepers, and veterinary health workers from contagious zoonotic diseases by minimizing physical interactions.
