Be the first to comment!Emergency veterinary transport service for small pets from Gozo
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The Government is introducing a dedicated emergency transport service from Gozo to Malta, ”to ensure full and effective access to veterinary care at all times.”
This means that there is now a coordinated system that starts from a call to the dedicated helpline – 15322 – for immediate guidance and assessment of the situation, followed by access to the clinic and safe and rapid transport where necessary from the island of Gozo, the Government said.
The Ministry for Animal Rights said in a statement that ”this step builds on the recent launch of the National Veterinary Emergency Service, which has already introduced a 24-hour emergency line, support to participating clinics, as well as a dedicated clinic in Fgura that operates outside normal hours. In addition, the Government is also offering a refund on consultations in genuine emergency cases.”
It noted that a gap has been identified in terms of access to these services from Gozo, particularly outside normal hours, on Sundays and public holidays. ”This situation has been creating difficulties for owners of small pets who needed urgent care in Malta.”
Accordingly, the Ministry said that it is introducing an emergency transport service that operates on standby outside normal hours from a location in Gozo. This offers a service to Gozitan residents and allows for efficient mobilisation so that animals are transferred to the clinic in Malta in a timely manner.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Rights Anton Refalo said that ”the aim is to ensure that no owner of a small pet is left alone in times of emergency, regardless of where they live.” He added that this service is ”essential so that animals receive timely care, which is often crucial.”
He added that this initiative continues to strengthen the principle of equal access to public services, by ensuring that citizens living in Gozo have the same care opportunities as those in Malta, at all times of the day.
Minister Refalo concluded by saying that through these measures, the Government is ensuring that emergency veterinary care is not only available, but also accessible.
Photo: DOI
