Pune Gets Super Specialty Veterinary Hospital and BSL Labs in Aundh
Aundh, 24th May 2025: In a significant push towards strengthening animal health infrastructure in Maharashtra, Deputy Chief Minister and Pune Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar inaugurated multiple cutting-edge veterinary facilities in Pune on Saturday. These include the Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) and Level-3 (BSL-3) Laboratories, the National Reference Vaccine Testing and Quality Control Laboratory, and a Super Specialty Veterinary Hospital in Aundh.
Pawar also reiterated the government’s commitment to consider agricultural status for animal husbandry, enabling livestock farmers to avail benefits similar to those enjoyed by crop cultivators. “We are determined to double the income of farmers through animal husbandry. To achieve that, we must ensure they get the same infrastructure and concessions as the agricultural sector,” he said during the event.
The new facilities have been developed at a cost of ₹86 crore and are expected to bolster vaccine research, disease control, and advanced veterinary care for livestock across the state. Pawar emphasized that Maharashtra now offers better animal husbandry facilities than any other state and assured that funding will not be a constraint for any department schemes.
“The inaugurated laboratories and hospital will improve livestock health, boost dairy and poultry productivity, and contribute to farmers’ income growth. Research and vaccine production here will be crucial, especially considering the increasing incidence of zoonotic diseases,” said Pawar.
The event was attended by Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde, Maharashtra Goseva Aayog Chairman Shekhar Mundada, MLA Uma Khapre, Animal Husbandry Commissioner Dr. Praveen Kumar Deore, and Secretary Dr. Ramaswamy N., among others.
Focus on Reforms, Transparency and Welfare
Animal Husbandry Minister Pankaja Munde highlighted recent reforms in the department, especially the transparent transfer process of over 560 veterinary officers through counseling, with 99% getting placements of their choice.
“Many officers were posted in remote tribal areas for years. With this transparent process, not only is there satisfaction among employees, but it also strengthens our on-ground capacity,” Munde said.
Munde also underlined the department’s intent to tighten milk adulteration laws and push for a ban on plastic, citing health risks caused by animals ingesting plastic. “Plastic particles are entering milk, harming our children’s health. We must act to stop this,” she said.
She also took pride in the department receiving GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification for the first time in its history. The GMP certificate was officially unveiled during the event.
Regional Impact and Future Goals
According to Secretary Dr. Ramaswamy N., the National Reference Vaccine Testing Laboratory will cater to the western region of India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Diu, and Daman. The GMP-certified lab will enhance the credibility and demand for vaccines developed within the country.
“The super specialty veterinary hospital and high-safety labs will benefit livestock farmers, but there is a continued need to equip these centers with even more advanced tools and technology,” said Ramaswamy.
The dignitaries toured the new facilities following the inauguration and were briefed on operations and future expansion plans.
