Noida is set to introduce dedicated veterinary medicine centres modelled on the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendras, aiming to provide affordable, high-quality medicines for livestock owners. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the cost of animal treatment while improving access to reliable veterinary drugs in rural and semi-urban pockets of the district. Officials say the move will support livestock farmers both economically and in enhancing the overall health and productivity of their animals.
The centres, to be called Pradhan Mantri Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, will offer veterinary medicines at prices reportedly 50 to 90 percent lower than the prevailing market rates. This development comes amid repeated concerns from livestock owners over the high cost of veterinary medicines and the absence of regulatory oversight on the quality of drugs sold at private medical stores.
Plan to Launch Affordable Veterinary Medicine Centres Across Noida
According to officials from the Animal Husbandry Department, applications have been invited for setting up these veterinary medicine centres in Dadri, Jewar, and Bisrakh development blocks. The department has opened an online application window for pharmacists and licensed medical store operators interested in running these centres. The aim is to initiate operations by January, aligning with the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader agenda of expanding affordable healthcare facilities for both humans and animals.
Officials noted that, until now, veterinary medicines have primarily been sold through general medical stores where the Animal Husbandry Department had no direct monitoring mechanism. Neither drug inspectors nor veterinary officials regularly checked these medicines, leading to frequent complaints about poor-quality or overpriced veterinary drugs. The new centres are expected to streamline procurement, ensure quality control, and provide cost-effective solutions to livestock owners.
The government’s plan is to establish at least one Pradhan Mantri Pashu Aushadhi Kendra in each selected block, ensuring wide accessibility. These centres will stock essential veterinary drugs, nutritional supplements, and preventive healthcare products at subsidised rates. By reducing treatment expenses, the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on livestock rearers, particularly dairy farmers and small-scale animal husbandry practitioners.
Government Push for Regulation, Quality Control, and Farmer Relief
Senior officials say the lack of regulatory oversight on veterinary medicines has long been a challenge, often leaving livestock owners vulnerable to substandard products. Many farmers reported that costly medicines purchased from private stores failed to deliver effective results, leading to recurring diseases and higher treatment expenses. By establishing government-monitored centres, authorities hope to eliminate such issues and create a reliable supply chain of veterinary healthcare products.
The Pradhan Mantri Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will function under defined quality-check protocols, with medicines sourced from approved pharmaceutical companies that comply with national safety standards. Officials believe this will not only bring down treatment costs but also help in preventive care, reducing disease outbreaks among cattle, goats, buffaloes, and other domesticated animals.
The state government has already issued formal directives for the establishment of these centres. Any registered pharmacist or licensed medical store owner is eligible to apply, provided they meet the technical requirements and demonstrate capacity to manage the centre as per guidelines. The department expects a strong response from applicants, given the increasing focus on livestock welfare and the expanding dairy economy in the region.
Livestock owners in villages across Noida have welcomed the initiative, saying that affordable veterinary medicines will significantly reduce their monthly expenditure on animal care. They also hope that timely access to quality drugs will curb preventable diseases, boost milk production, and improve the overall health of their livestock.
With preparations underway, authorities are working to complete the approval and setup process within the next few weeks. If implemented as planned, the Noida district could become one of the early adopters of this model in Uttar Pradesh, potentially setting an example for other regions to follow.
