Staff Reporter, Dhaka : Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku today laid strict emphasis on ensuring quality medicines and modern healthcare services in animal treatment across the country, warning that no expired drugs should be used under any circumstances.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with officials of institutions based at the Central Veterinary Hospital campus, held at the Bangladesh Veterinary Council conference room in the capital.

“The Central Veterinary Hospital is a core institution for animal healthcare. As the country’s population grows, the number of pets is also rising significantly. Given this reality, there is no alternative to expanding and modernizing our livestock health care services,” the state minister said.

“We will give maximum priority to increasing hospital capacity, ensuring quality treatment, and expanding necessary infrastructure to make animal healthcare more up-to-date, effective, and people-friendly,” State Minister added.

Noting the rising pet population across different regions, the minister also directed officials to expand the branches and service scope of the Central Veterinary Hospital so that advanced treatment can easily reach every corner of the country.

Prior to the meeting, the state minister inaugurated the field-level distribution of medicines, chemicals, and surgical equipment procured by the Livestock Dispensary for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. A total of 90 types of medicines and chemicals, alongside 40 types of modern medical and surgical instruments, were handed over for distribution.

Chaired by Md Shahzaman Khan, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), the event was attended by Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain as the special guest.

Among others, DLS Director (Administration) Dr Md Boyjar Rahman, Central Veterinary Hospital Director Dr Abdul Aziz Al Mamun, Central Livestock Dispensary Director Dr Rafiqul Islam Talukder, Toxicology and Jurisprudence Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Md. Abu Sufian, and Bangladesh Veterinary Council Registrar Dr Gopal Chandra Biswas were also present.