𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗩𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀

𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗚𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗵𝘂: As a part of Pandemic Fund Project in Bhutan, the Department of Livestock (DoL) in collaboration with the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization in Bhutan, is conducting a six-day refresher training program for field veterinary paraprofessionals from the western and west-central regions of the country. The training, scheduled from March 24 to March 29, 2025, in Gelephu, covers veterinary paraprofessionals from 11 districts. A total of 63 veterinary paraprofessionals posted at Geog Livestock Extension Centres, District Veterinary Hospitals, National Veterinary Hospital, central programs and government farms are participating in this training program. This initiative marks the second batch of training, following the successful completion of the training for first batch held from January 6 to January 11, 2025, in Phuentsholing.

With the rapid advancements in veterinary medicine, continuous learning and upskilling are crucial for field veterinary paraprofessionals. However, limited funding for continuous professional development has posed challenges. This refresher training aims to address these gaps, ensuring that veterinary paraprofessionals stay updated on emerging trends and best practices.

The refresher training program will cover key areas essential for improving animal health services in the country, focusing on Veterinary Preventive and Clinical Medicine, Clinical Case Management, Veterinary Microbiology, Animal Welfare, Biosecurity and Biosafety, common Surgical Procedures, and Disease Prevention and Control Strategies.

A combination of theoretical and practical approaches is adopted for this training program to ensure comprehensive learning. Theoretical sessions consist of lectures on critical veterinary topics, while practical sessions will provide hands-on training in modern techniques and best practices. Additionally, interactive discussions, case studies and problem-solving exercises, are included to enhance participant engagement. To assess learning outcomes, a pre-training and post-training test is being conducted.

By the end of the training, participants are expected to have upgraded skills and knowledge, leading to enhanced efficiency in animal health service delivery. This initiative aims to strengthen delivery of critical veterinary services in the field, ultimately enhancing the standards of both animal health care and public health in Bhutan.