Hyderabad’s Pathergatti veterinary hospital seeks upgrade amid rising caseload
Hyderabad’s Government Veterinary Hospital at Pathergatti is seeking an upgrade as inadequate diagnostic facilities, medicine shortages and limited laboratory infrastructure affect treatment. The hospital handles around 150 animals daily and serves several Old City neighbourhoods.
Hyderabad: The Government Veterinary Hospital Pathergatti, located at Chandrayangutta in the old city, is in need of an upgrade, with inadequate diagnostic facilities, shortage of medicines and limited laboratory infrastructure affecting its ability to handle the growing number of cases.
The hospital, established during the Nizam’s rule, was among the institutions set up to provide healthcare to animals, including horses, elephants and camels, associated with the royal establishment.
At present, the hospital is the only major government veterinary facility serving the old city and receives animals from Edi Bazaar, Rein Bazaar, Shaheennagar, Ghousenagar, Kishan Bagh, Misrigunj, Shaheenagar and Hafeez Babanagar.
Besides pet dogs and cats, goats, pigeons and cattle are also brought here for treatment.
The absence of an X-ray facility and limitations in laboratory services are among the concerns raised by pet owners. Though treatment is provided free of cost, residents said adequate arrangements were needed to ensure the availability of medicines and essential facilities.
“Treatment is free, but transporting an animal to the hospital itself costs money. If medicines or other facilities are not available, alternate arrangements should be made so that treatment is not affected,” said Shakeel Ahmed, a businessman from Edi Bazaar.
Ramesh Kumar, a resident of the old city, said the hospital was particularly important for families unable to afford private veterinary care. “Many people bring their pets here because treatment at private clinics is expensive. Basic diagnostic and emergency facilities should be available at the government hospital,” he said.
Hospital Superintendent Abdul Majeed said proposals had been submitted to the government for upgrading the hospital into a specialty facility.
“On average, around 150 animals, including dogs, cats, goats, pigeons and cattle, are brought here every day. Critical cases are currently referred to the Speciality Hospital at Narayanaguda or the Veterinary Sciences College and Hospital at Rajendranagar. The proposed upgrade will help us provide better treatment locally,” he said.
Residents have also sought the establishment of veterinary dispensaries at Chandulal Baradari, Edi Bazaar and Pathergatti. Such facilities, they said, could provide basic treatment closer to residential areas and reduce the burden on the old city hospital.