The Municipality of Paso de los Libres, in the province of Corrientes, announced on Wednesday the start of construction works for the Animal Hospital, a new veterinary care facility aimed at meeting the growing demand for animal welfare and public health.
The center will be located at Yatay 535, where the initial construction works have already begun. According to the Municipality, the hospital will have specialized infrastructure to address emergencies, perform neutering surgeries, health checks, vaccination campaigns, and other essential services for the responsible care of pets.
The project, led by architect Mauricio Ponce, is part of a municipal public policy that prioritizes inclusion, comprehensive development, and commitment to the community.
Local government officials emphasized that the establishment of the Animal Hospital will mark a significant milestone in Paso de los Libres, by establishing a care network that not only promotes animal welfare but also strengthens public health in general.
The Benefits of Public Veterinary Hospitals
Public veterinary hospitals, such as the Animal Hospital, are crucial for public health as they ensure animal welfare, prevent zoonotic diseases, and promote food safety. By offering free or affordable care, these hospitals democratize access to veterinary care, especially for low-income individuals or stray animals.
Benefits
- Public Health: Veterinary medicine plays a crucial role in preventing zoonotic diseases (transmissible from animals to humans), such as rabies, leptospirosis, and brucellosis. Public veterinary hospitals help control these diseases, protecting both animals and people.
- Animal Welfare: By providing quality veterinary care, public hospitals ensure the well-being of animals, reducing suffering and improving the quality of life for pets and other animals.
- Equitable Access: Public veterinary hospitals make veterinary care more accessible to people with fewer resources, ensuring that animals receive necessary care regardless of economic status.
- Education and Training: These hospitals can serve as teaching centers for future veterinarians and animal health professionals, providing practical training and updating knowledge.
- Research and Development: Public hospitals can be research centers, contributing to advances in veterinary medicine and understanding of animal diseases.
- Disease Control: They help control the spread of infectious diseases in animals, protecting both animals and the human population.
- Euthanasia Prevention: They offer alternatives to euthanasia, especially for abandoned animals or those with incurable diseases, prolonging their lives and allowing them to receive palliative care.
- Promotion of Responsible Pet Ownership: By providing veterinary care and educational programs, public hospitals promote greater awareness of the importance of responsible pet ownership.
- Development of Veterinary Infrastructure: They contribute to the creation and strengthening of veterinary infrastructure in communities, improving the overall quality of veterinary care.
In summary, public veterinary hospitals are essential for public health and animal welfare. Their importance lies in their ability to provide accessible, preventive, and quality care, contributing to a healthier and fairer society.
Source: El Litoral.
