UNAM launches Mobile Animal Clinic

WINDHOEK, 08 JUN  – The University of Namibia (UNAM) on Thursday launched its Mobile Animal Clinic which will provide veterinary medicine students with practical training and avail veterinary community services.
During the launch and signing of partnership with Baines Vetcare Mobile Animal Clinic, Unam’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Frednard Gideon said the clinic will have six-year students enhancing their theoretical skills practically.
“In this way, they will be exposed to a large number of animals and gain experience in record-keeping, sterile preparation, anaesthesia, surgery and recovery of the patients,” he highlighted.
Gideon added that the mobile clinic has great potential in terms of research opportunities, including gathering data on the disease and parasite status of animals.
“The mobility aspect of this clinic contributes to sustainable development through promotion of animal welfare, which has a significant impact on public health,” he added.
In agreement, founder of Baines Vetcare, Dr Ian Baines pointed out that providing affordable animal basic health care is the key in Namibia.
“There are children dying of rabies in Namibia because people are living in close contact with animals, hence this clinic will promote animal welfare among low-income communities,” he said.
The clinic will provide services to the following routes; Bethanie, Aus, Lüderitz, Keetmanshoop, Grünau, Karasburg, Karibib, Usakos, Uis, Witvlei, Omitara, Drimiopsis, Kamanjab, Khorixas, Outjo, Rundu and Katima Mulilo.
The mobile clinic offers free surgical sterilisations of 100 dogs and cats every month and the control of both internal and external parasites.
The clinic has been operational for 18 months already.
(NAMPA)