Jaya's animal-friendly initiative-10 modern ambulances

Chennai, Sept 21: Ten animal ambulances with modern equipment like hydraulic jockey for easy lifting were flagged off today by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for free service in five districts of the state under an initiative that cost Rs 6.34 crore.

The services of the ambulances, which is for those owning animals in Thanjavur, Madurai, Namakkal, Tiruchirappalli and Kanchipuram districts, can be availed of by dialling the number '1962'.

The ambulances were launched among the other vehicles, including 200 public transport buses, which the Chief Minister flagged off at the Secretariat. When contacted, officials said that Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences (TANVAS) University would be managing the ambulance services.

Once a call lands on 1962 seeking medical help, an ambulance will be dispatched to the area, they said. If needed, door-step medical services will be provided and as per the need the animal would either be taken to an Animal husbandry hospital or a TANUVAS university hospital in the vicinity.

Also, the animals would be admitted as an in-patient if warranted, they added. The GVK-EMRI ambulance services will at present supervise the call and fleet management, and later the varsity will take over.

Out of the ten ambulances, one is a small animal ambulance which will be used in Chennai.

PTI