The third World Veterinary Day was celebrated by Neovet (Intas Pharmaceuticals' animal healthcare division) in collaboration with the Directorate of Animal Husbandry and various practicing veterinarians on April 28, 2003.
Free animal check-up, treatment and de-worming camps were organized at more than 100 locations across the country to mark the celebrations. More than 2,00,000 animals were treated at these free camps. In Gujarat, free treatment camps were held at Dholka, Rajkot, Nadiad, Surat, Mehsana and Himmatnagar. More than 10,000 animals were given a free health check-up, treatment and de-wormed at these camps.
Inaugurating the camp at Dholka, the Chief Guest, Shri Kantibhai M. Lakum, MLA, Dholka, said, "Veterinarians are very busy and dedicated professionals whose work often goes unrecognised. World Veterinary Day is an excellent opportunity to rectify this. Free treatment camps like this one organised by Neovet, serve to promote the cause of animal health and also bring into focus critical contributions that veterinarians make to society." Shri N. T. Mehta, Director, Animal Husbandry and Shri S. T. Pandya, Additional Director, Animal Husbandry also graced the occasion along with a team of over 29 veterinarians.
Dr. A. P. Mamtani, V.P., Neovet-Intas, said, "India has the largest and richest livestock resource in the world. However, this vital sector, which contributes about 9% of the GDP, has not received its due importance. Similarly, Veterinarians who play a key role in enriching the livestock resource base of the country have not been properly recognised. Through this year's WVD celebrations we wish to bring into focus the role of Veterinary profession as conservators of animal wealth."