New PVK Outlets Aim to Curb Veterinary Medicine Price Scam

Kolkata, 11 Oct – The West Bengal administration has issued a notification to set up 375 Pet Animal Veterinary Knowledge (PVK) outlets that will dispense animal medicines at state‑controlled prices. These centers are part of the national Livestock Health and Disease Control initiative and will be managed by the Directorate of Animal Resources and Animal Health.

According to departmental officials, the network will consist of one state‑level hub in Kolkata, 30 district‑level centers and 344 block‑level outlets. The facilities are designed to meet the needs of urban pet owners and rural livestock keepers alike.

Each PVK will stock a comprehensive inventory of drugs, vaccines and health supplements for dogs, cats and other pets at rates far below private clinic charges. The launch comes amid recurring accusations that certain veterinarians favor branded products over generics, receiving kickbacks from pharmaceutical agents.

Authorities anticipate that the presence of affordable, government‑approved outlets will naturally diminish the incentive for such corrupt practices, ensuring that animal caregivers can access necessary treatments without the burden of inflated costs.