Veterinary Science: A profession in danger

Hyderabad has only one veterinary science college and the course has few takers. We look at the reasons for this dismal scenario.

For the first time in India, a rare cataract operation was conducted on dogs in Hyderabad, in which the implantation of interocular lenses was replaced with another kind of lens to give dogs better vision. Such multi-specialty hospitals for animals are mushrooming in the City. But then on the other hand, despite developments in the veterinary hospital industry, there isn’t a sufficient supply of doctors.

The main roadblock is the lack of veterinary science colleges in the City. Hyderabad has only one veterinary science college — The College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar.

Many veterinary aspirants give up their dream just because the State does not have enough such colleges. One such student, Bhavna Madhu, says, “Since childhood, I’ve been crazy about animals. I always wanted to become a vet, but unfortunately, I did not get a seat in the college in Hyderabad. I had to give up my dream and choose another stream.

Andhra Pradesh has only five veterinary science colleges. Hyderabad’s single veterinary science college has an intake of a mere 68 students per year. In an agrarian economy like India, the demand for veterinarians will always be high, but the supply does not meet the demand.

“Not just in Andhra Pradesh but all over India, there are very few colleges in this field. Of late, the demand for animal husbandry is on the increase. Earlier, veterinary science was considered to be one stream, but today there are several variations such as poultry, dairy, fishery and so on,” said Dr Muralidhar, founder of Dr Dog Hospital.

Recent reports show that animal husbandry is increasingly popular in the State, especially sheep rearing and dairy enterprises. “We don’t have enough colleges in our state. The employment opportunity is huge, but the lack of quality education is the main problem. These days, the private sector is growing phenomenally. This is creating great opportunities for veterinarians,” said Kishore, an intern at Dr Dog.

The newer private animal husbandry establishments are demanding a doctor for every set-up but with just 340 doctors passing out every year from the State, there is a shortage.

“Meat, eggs and milk form a major part of our staple food. So it shows that the demand for our field is high. But unfortunately, there is not enough awareness. I do not see a lot of students coming forward to take this course. If they show an interest, I am sure the government would also increase the number of seats or colleges. It is time that private players came forward and set up veterinary colleges,” said Kishore N, a final-year veterinary science student.

Animal husbandry is a profitable business, and hence, there are lucrative options for veterinarians. “In Krishna and Godavari districts, livestock business is on the increase. Unlike agriculture, where one gets either equivalent or a meagre profit, in livestock this is not the case. Here there is a larger profit, for example; a litter of milk is Rs.56. The profitable nature of livestock proportionally increases our demand,” Satish Nagunari, a veterinary intern.

List of colleges

College of Veterinary Science, (VCI Approved)

NT Rama Rao College of Veterinary Science

Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University

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Category: City, City News