-Animal Husbandry Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurates ₹56 lakh X-ray machine at Patiala Veterinary Polyclinic
-Digital X-ray machine to aid in detection of respiratory ailments, bone diseases and cancers in animals
-“Animals form the backbone of our economy,” says Gurmeet Singh Khudian
Patiala, September 19:
Punjab today marked a significant milestone in veterinary healthcare as Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated the state’s first digital X-ray facility for animals at the Government Veterinary Polyclinic, Patiala.
The facility, equipped with a modern 800 mAs X-ray machine worth ₹56 lakh, makes Patiala the first district in Punjab to provide such advanced diagnostic services for animals. The Minister announced that similar machines would soon be installed at other government veterinary polyclinics across the state.
Gurmeet Singh Khudian reiterated the state government’s commitment under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to modernize veterinary hospitals and polyclinics. He said the digital X-ray machine will prove highly useful in timely and accurate diagnosis of respiratory problems, bone ailments, abdominal cancers, and various other diseases in animals. He added that the machine can also be used for radiation therapy in cancer treatment—an achievement of great importance for Punjab’s veterinary health system.
“Animal husbandry is an integral part of Punjab’s economy. Strengthening veterinary services will not only improve animal health but also enhance milk production, thereby boosting farmers’ income,” the Minister said.
He further highlighted that the Patiala Polyclinic also offers IPD (in-patient department) facilities, allowing animals—whether cattle, dogs or cats—to be admitted overnight for treatment. Owners are permitted to stay with their animals during hospitalization, reducing the need for repeated visits post-surgery and cutting treatment expenses.
Speaking informally to mediapersons, Khudian said that Punjab has suffered extensive losses due to recent floods, with preliminary estimates pegging damages at around ₹20,000 crore and nearly 5,000 acres of crops destroyed. He added that around 2,500 dead animals have already been identified, while further assessment is underway as water still remains in several affected areas.
On the occasion, MLAs Ajitpal Singh Kohli (Patiala) and Chetan Singh Jauramajra (Samana), District Planning Committee Chairman Tejinder Mehta, ADC Navreet Kaur Sekhon, Director Animal Husbandry Dr. Parmjeet Singh Walia, Deputy Directors Dr. Bikramjit Singh and Dr. Rajiv Gorvar, Assistant Director Dr. Soninder Kaur, and several senior veterinary officers including Dr. Rajnik Bhora, Dr. Kanwar Anup Kaler, Dr. Jagwinder Kaur, Dr. Gagandeep Thaparwal, Dr. Gurpreet Singh, Dr. Sanju Singla, Dr. Ravi Singla, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Dr. Vineet Malhotra and Dr. Jagpreet Singh were also present.
