The Punjab government is launching ‘Blue Cross’ veterinary medicine stores in six districts starting February 8, 2026, to make animal healthcare more affordable and accessible for livestock farmers. These stores, located within government veterinary polyclinics, will offer diagnosis, treatment, and medicines under one roof, aiming to reduce financial burdens and strengthen the rural economy.
The ‘Blue Cross’ initiative will provide timely access to genuine veterinary medicines at reasonable prices. Farmers will receive a 30% discount on generic veterinary medicines and a 20% discount on branded veterinary medicines. This pricing structure is designed for affordability without compromising quality or safety.
The veterinary medicine stores will be established inside state-of-the-art veterinary polyclinics in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Amritsar. These polyclinics already offer advanced Indoor Patient Department (IPD) services, which were introduced last year as part of Punjab’s efforts to strengthen institutional animal healthcare.
By situating medicine stores within polyclinics, the government intends to create a continuous care model. This integration aims for faster access to authentic medicines, reduced time and travel for farmers, and ultimately, better treatment outcomes. The initiative is also expected to encourage preventive healthcare practices. This integrated approach is anticipated to significantly improve livestock health management across the state.
Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab’s Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister, commented on the initiative.
“The program is being rolled out under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, reflecting the government’s strong administrative focus on farmer welfare.”
The initiative is projected to reduce veterinary healthcare costs for farmers. It is also expected to boost livestock productivity and support the dairy and allied sectors. This will further strengthen Punjab’s position as a leader in livestock welfare and rural development. By utilizing existing infrastructure and offering a choice between generic and branded medicines, the scheme aims for efficient service delivery and broader farmer options.
The launch of ‘Blue Cross’ veterinary medicine stores demonstrates the Punjab government’s proactive commitment to farmer welfare. By enhancing the affordability and accessibility of animal healthcare, the state seeks to improve livestock health and increase farmer incomes. This is expected to create a positive ripple effect across rural communities. The initiative underscores the vital role of animal health in sustaining agricultural prosperity and bolstering Punjab’s rural economy.>
Leave a Reply