Maldives opens first-ever veterinary center; services available two days a week

Fisheries ministry has on Thursday opened a veterinary service center in Villimalé.

The services will be available at a ministry building in Villimalé, two days a week.

The ministry said that vet services will be open from 8am to 2pm, on Mondays and Thursdays.

Those seeking veterinary services are to apply, via a form provided by the ministry, and will be contacted by the ministry when the appointment is confirmed, or call hotline number 7448286.

While the ministry had previously provided ‘mobile’ veterinary service for years, this was done without a charge. However, with the introduction of services in Villimalé, an appointment with veterinarian will cost MVR 50.

General consultations and emergency services will also be provided for MVR 50, while vaccinations, microchipping and neutering will each cost MVR 100.

In addition, other minor surgeries can be done for MVR 100 as well.

RaajjjeMV understands that there is only one qualified veterinarian at the center currently.

Fisheries minister Zaha Waheed attended the launching of the veterinary services on Thursday morning, as well as councillors from Neighbourhood & Community Health Committee.

Announcing the decision to start veterinary services, the fisheries ministry said that this was ‘due to numerous requests by the public’ and the growing community of pet owners. It highlighted that its previous mobile services ‘did not meet healthcare regulations.’

While a veterinary service center has finally been established in the country, the previous administration had opened bids - numerous times - to build a clinic after announcing plans to do so in 2016.