The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) has revealed that essential veterinary services will now be managed by private operators through the ‘Veterinary Sanitary Mandate’ Scheme, with government supervision.
This initiative is designed to make veterinary services more accessible to farmers and strengthen the connection between private veterinarians and the government. The mandate tasks veterinarians with serving both the state and the public in key areas, including the early detection and management of animal diseases.
Jean-Claude Ndorimana, Director General of Animal Resources Development at MINAGRI, noted that the increasing livestock population has caused farmers to depend significantly on sector-level animal resources officers. However, these officers are frequently insufficient in number and too distant from farmers to deliver effective services.
“Farmers, particularly those with cattle, have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of veterinary services. Our current system, which relies on animal resources officers at the sector level, fails to provide the close-to-home veterinary care needed,” he stated.
He mentioned that it is difficult for a single animal resources officer to effectively serve all farmers in a sector due to limited time and additional responsibilities.
Veterinary services cover various aspects such as animal housing, nutrition, welfare, and disease detection.
“A veterinarian who is closer to farmers can identify and address issues more swiftly,” Ndorimana explained.
The new scheme is intended to overhaul and enhance the current veterinary service delivery model. Ndorimana also noted that many sector-level animal resources officers lack specialized veterinary training, leading farmers to wrongly believe these officers can manage serious animal health issues.
Under the scheme, private veterinary practitioners will offer a range of services such as animal care, housing, feeding, disease treatment, artificial insemination, and inspection of animal products.
“After consulting with various stakeholders, it was decided to transfer these services to private practitioners to make them more accessible to farmers,” Ndorimana said.
Private Veterinarians to Be Structured into Companies
To put the Veterinary Sanitary Mandate Scheme into action, private veterinarians will be organized into companies that will place practitioners at the sector level. Despite a veterinary council membership of over 5,000, there remains a gap in animal treatment and production due to high demand.
“Qualified veterinarians within these companies will also offer extension services for animal care. The companies will consist of animal resources specialists along with veterinary doctors and technicians. A list of approved companies, vetted by RAB, will provide these services,” he explained.
Districts will contract these companies based on the number of animals in each region. Farmers will continue to pay for these services at regulated prices set by a ministerial order.
Animal resources officers at the district and sector levels will oversee and monitor the activities of private veterinary companies. In case of an outbreak, districts may contract these companies, using designated funds to support veterinary efforts, particularly for mass vaccinations. Development partners will also contribute to the scheme.
Ernest Sibomana, a farmer from Rwamagana District, stressed the need for adherence to government-set veterinary service prices.
“We hear about standardized prices, yet technicians still charge as they please. This scheme should enforce these prices and ensure farmers know the correct rates,” he said.
The prices were established by a 2017 ministerial order.
Reports show that some veterinary technicians charge up to Rwf50,000 for performing cesarean sections on pigs, whereas the ministerial order stipulates a fee ranging from Rwf10,000 to Rwf20,000.
New College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
These reforms in veterinary services align with the government’s plan to build a Rwf13.3 billion Veterinary Laboratory Complex at the University of Rwanda’s Nyagatare campus in Eastern Province. This facility is designed to advance veterinary medicine, livestock production, and technology.
The laboratory will conduct scientific experiments, analyses, and research on both domestic and wild animals across the nation and the region, according to University of Rwanda officials. It will also support the establishment of the new College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production, and Sciences.
Approved by the cabinet on February 27, 2024, this initiative aims to boost research and increase the number of qualified veterinary professionals. The current College of Agriculture, Animal Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM) will be divided into two separate institutions: the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences.
With the country witnessing substantial growth in animal populations, including cows, goats, sheep, poultry, and pigs, the new college is expected to drive innovations in animal husbandry and productivity improvements.