The federal government has urged veterinarians in its modern veterinary hospitals to ensure prompt treatment, accurate diagnosis and quality services for livestock farmers.

The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, gave the charge in a statement on Saturday, stressing the need for proper maintenance of the facilities to improve animal healthcare and livestock productivity.

The federal government, through the World Bank-assisted Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES), has established 21 modern veterinary hospitals across 21 states.

Mr Maiha made the call while commenting on the recently commissioned L-PRES veterinary hospital in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

He said the facility would strengthen animal healthcare delivery and support increased livestock productivity.

According to him, the hospital has a surgical theatre, diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, X-ray and ultrasound units, as well as ambulatory services to extend veterinary care to rural communities.

The national project coordinator of L-PRES, Sanusi Abubakar, said the hospitals were established to bring quality veterinary services closer to livestock farmers.

He said they would help reduce livestock diseases and deaths, minimise economic losses and improve productivity, especially among smallholder farmers.

Mr Abubakar urged stakeholders to take responsibility for the facilities and ensure their proper maintenance and long-term sustainability.

He said the federal government had so far commissioned L-PRES model veterinary hospitals in Adamawa, Ondo, Enugu, Sokoto, Edo and Borno states.

He added that the project was strengthening veterinary infrastructure and improving animal healthcare delivery across the country. 

(NAN)