Sun Aug 03 15:50:30 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summary and rewrite based on the provided text, tailored to fit the format and perspective of “The Hindu”:

**Headline: Mobile Veterinary Clinics in Thoothukudi Face Accessibility Concerns Despite State-Wide Initiative**

**Thoothukudi, August 3, 2025:** While the Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Department’s ambitious initiative to deploy mobile veterinary clinics across the state has been lauded, concerns are mounting in Thoothukudi district regarding the accessibility of these services to livestock rearers in remote areas.

Launched in 2024, the scheme saw 245 mobile clinics equipped with essential equipment, mini-laboratories, and medicines being dispatched statewide. Thoothukudi district received seven such units, each assigned to cover two villages daily, providing services such as vaccination, artificial insemination, wound dressing, and minor surgeries.

While officials claim the program aims to reach remote villages, many livestock rearers report being left out. Rajesh, a farmer from Chettiyapathu, stated his village has never benefited from the service, despite a significant number of families involved in cattle rearing. He highlighted reliance on the veterinary hospital in Meignanapuram.

This lack of access is particularly concerning given the district’s fluctuating livestock population. After a sharp decline between 2007 and 2012, numbers have shown a slight increase, underscoring the growing need for convenient veterinary care. A. Vardharajan of the Karisal Farmers’ Association emphasizes the increased involvement of households in cattle rearing, driven by its economic value. PuliRaja, a farmer from Mettilpatti, echoed the concern, emphasizing that mobile veterinary clinics are yet to reach his village.

S. Sanjeeviraj, Regional Joint Director of Animal Husbandry, Thoothukudi, acknowledged the issue, suggesting some villages might have been overlooked due to proximity to existing veterinary facilities. He assured that the department would address the gaps and ensure coverage of all remote villages upon notification. The Animal Husbandry Department urges those who have not benefited from the scheme to come forward, so that necessary action can be taken.

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**Contextual Notes for “The Hindu” Audience:**

* The rewritten article focuses on the ground-level realities and potential shortcomings of a government initiative.
* It emphasizes the perspective of farmers and local associations, aligning with “The Hindu’s” focus on regional issues and citizen voices.
* Statistical data about livestock population is included to highlight the importance of the issue, a common practice in “The Hindu’s” reporting.
* The article aims to be informative and balanced, presenting both the government’s perspective and the concerns of the community.

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