Not to be Missed – Pashu Aushadhi initiative

Why in the News:

The Pashu Aushadhi initiative has been making headlines as the Indian government seeks to improve livestock health in the country. With the launch of this initiative, the government aims to address longstanding challenges in the veterinary healthcare system, including the rising costs of veterinary medicines and the prevalence of diseases affecting livestock.

The importance of this initiative lies in its potential to significantly improve the health of millions of livestock, which is crucial for the agriculture-dependent economy of India. The initiative will ensure that farmers, especially in rural areas, have access to affordable and quality medicines to treat and prevent diseases in their animals.

Introduction to Pashu Aushadhi:

The Pashu Aushadhi initiative marks a major step in improving the healthcare system for livestock in India. With over 535 million livestock in the country, the health and well-being of these animals are essential for maintaining the agricultural output and livelihoods of millions of farmers. The initiative is designed to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines, ensuring that farmers can access critical treatments for their animals without breaking the bank.

By establishing Pashu Aushadhi Kendras modeled on the existing PMBJK centers, the initiative aims to make veterinary medicines more accessible and affordable. This initiative is part of a larger push by the government to modernize agricultural practices and provide better healthcare infrastructure for the country’s livestock.

1. Introduction to Pashu Aushadhi Initiative:
   • The Indian government has launched the Pashu Aushadhi initiative to provide affordable veterinary medicines for livestock, including those involved in dairy farming and animal husbandry.
   • The initiative aims to help farmers access generic veterinary medicines at affordable prices for the better health of their livestock, especially to combat diseases in cattle, buffaloes, and other livestock species.
2. Key Components of the Initiative:
   • The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is part of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP), which was approved by the Union Cabinet and has received the backing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
   • The government has allocated ₹3,880 crore for the 2024-25 financial year to support the program, with a focus on providing good-quality, affordable medicines for livestock.
3. Conceptualization and Basis of the Program:
   • The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is modeled on the lines of the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK), which provides generic medicines at affordable prices to people in India.
   • The program will set up Pashu Aushadhi Kendras that will be spread across the country to ensure wide accessibility of veterinary medicines.
4. Importance of Generic Medicines:
   • Generic medicines are non-branded drugs that are sold at lower prices compared to proprietary or branded medicines.
   • By promoting generic veterinary medicines, the initiative aims to bring high-quality healthcare for livestock at affordable prices, benefiting farmers across the country.
5. Current Status of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras:
   • Over 10,300 Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras have already been set up across India. The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers oversees these centers, and seven additional Pashu Aushadhi Kendras are planned to be inaugurated.
   • These Kendras are seen as an essential component in improving the healthcare infrastructure for animals and ensuring access to affordable medicines.
6. Why Pashu Aushadhi Matters:
   • According to the Livestock Census (2019), India’s livestock population stood at 535.78 million, with a total bovine population (cattle, buffalo, etc.) of 302.79 million. This makes the health and welfare of livestock critically important for the agricultural economy.
   • Livestock diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) pose significant threats to India’s livestock population, directly affecting the livelihoods of farmers.
7. Challenges in Livestock Health:
   • Despite vaccination drives, there is still a significant portion of the livestock population that remains vulnerable to various diseases.
   • The Pashu Aushadhi initiative will address these challenges by providing affordable and accessible veterinary medicines that can help prevent and treat these diseases.
8. Implementation and Future Plans:
   • The Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras to ensure proper functioning and distribution of veterinary medicines.
   • The focus is on providing medicines that are essential for treating common livestock diseases such as fever, wounds, and infections, and on introducing homeopathy medicines as part of the initiative.

Explanation of Peculiar Terms:

1. Pashu Aushadhi:
   • Pashu Aushadhi refers to affordable and high-quality veterinary medicines specifically designed for livestock, including cattle, buffalo, goats, and other domesticated animals.
   • The term “Aushadhi” means medicine in Hindi, and “Pashu” refers to animals, particularly livestock. The initiative aims to provide access to affordable veterinary care for animals in rural and urban areas.
2. Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP):
   • This is a government program aimed at improving the health and disease control mechanisms for livestock in India. The program is designed to reduce livestock diseases, enhance veterinary care, and improve animal productivity.
3. Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK):
   • PMBJK is a government initiative that provides generic medicines at affordable prices to the general public. These centers are spread across India and are focused on offering non-branded medicines at lower costs compared to proprietary medicines.
4. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD):
   • FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. It causes fever, blisters, and lameness and can lead to significant economic losses in the livestock sector.
5. Brucellosis:
   • Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It primarily affects cattle, goats, and sheep, leading to reproductive issues in animals and causing flu-like symptoms in humans.
6. Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR):
   • PPR is a viral disease that affects small ruminants such as sheep and goats. It leads to high mortality rates and is highly contagious. The disease impacts the productivity of small livestock farmers.
7. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF):
   • CSF is a viral disease that affects pigs, causing neurological issues and high mortality. It is of particular concern in countries with a large swine population, including India.

Conclusion:

The Pashu Aushadhi initiative is a crucial development for livestock health in India. By making affordable generic medicines available to farmers, the government seeks to improve animal welfare, prevent disease outbreaks, and boost agricultural productivity. As livestock diseases continue to pose a threat to India’s agricultural economy, this initiative is a timely intervention that can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of farmers and the overall economy. For CLAT aspirants, understanding such initiatives is important for the General Knowledge and Current Affairs sections, which are essential parts of the exam.