The Regional Government is considering a public-private partnership to improve access to veterinary care, particularly for lower-income families and cases involving stray animals.
The proposal was outlined on Saturday afternoon by the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel. Asked about the possibility of establishing a public animal hospital or veterinary clinic, he said the Government favoured an approach based on cooperation between the public and private sectors.
“Our vision, the Regional Government’s vision for this area, will always follow a model of public-private partnerships,” he said, adding that veterinary medicine had considerable potential for growth through private investment.
Under such an arrangement, private veterinary practices could provide treatment, while the Regional Government would offer financial assistance as a form of “social compensation.” This support would be aimed at officially identified low-income households, as well as cases involving stray animals.
Nuno Maciel also revealed that a project involving several municipalities is currently being developed, although he declined to provide further details at this stage.
His comments were made during an initiative organised by the Portuguese Veterinary Association at Forum Madeira, where he highlighted the wider importance of veterinary medicine to society.
“A veterinary doctor is much more than someone who looks after companion animals,” he said. “Veterinarians clearly play a very important role in animal welfare and pet care, but they also make a major contribution throughout the health chain, protecting both animal and human health.”
Turning to animal welfare, Nuno Maciel said the Regional Government had increased its support for animal welfare associations this year.
“We have always maintained close cooperation with all associations connected to animal welfare and animals in general,” he explained. “This includes not only those working directly with companion animals, but also associations and livestock breeders’ cooperatives throughout the Region.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
Photo: JM archive
Views: 20
