By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Dairy farmers in Landikotal on Monday accused the local veterinary hospital staff of negligence, claiming that doctors were not performing their duties and that the facility’s laboratory remained non-functional, resulting in significant livestock losses.
Speaking at a press conference at the Landikotal dairy farms, owners Abdul Salam Shinwari, Iran Afridi, Muhammadullah Afridi, Yousaf Shinwari and others said they were striving to provide pure milk to the public, but when their cows fall sick, no experienced doctor is available at the Landikotal veterinary hospital to treat them on time.
They alleged that veterinary doctor Tariq, who was posted at the hospital, frequently remained absent from duty. “Due to such negligence and long absence from duty we have lost several foreing breed expensive cows worth millions of rupees,” they lamented, adding that most residents of Landikotal were poor and own only one goat or cow, making it impossible for them to transport their animals to Peshawar or other cities for treatment, while private veterinary care was beyond to afford.
The farmers said they were often forced to take their animals to Jamrud’s veterinary hospital,30 kilometres from Landikotal, due to the deteriorated condition of the Landikotal veterinary hospital.
They demanded that the secretary and director general of the Livestock Department immediately post experienced doctors to ensure all necessary facilities at the Landikotal veterinary
hospital.
They warned that if their grievances were not addressed promptly, they would be compelled to stage a protest in front of the veterinary hospital and block the Pak-Afghan Highway.
