Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Mann Govt to launch ‘Blue Cross’ veterinary medicine stores to make animal healthcare affordable
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 8, 2026: Punjab’s livestock farmers are set to benefit from a major welfare initiative as the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led state government prepares to roll out ‘Blue Cross’ veterinary medicine stores in six districts to make animal healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Sharing details of the initiative, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the move aims to significantly reduce the financial burden on livestock farmers while strengthening institutional animal healthcare across the state.
Under the scheme, livestock farmers will receive up to 30 percent discount on generic veterinary medicines and 20 percent discount on branded medicines at the ‘Blue Cross’ stores. The initiative is designed to ensure affordability without compromising on the quality and availability of medicines.
The Minister informed that the ‘Blue Cross’ medicine stores will be set up within state-of-the-art veterinary polyclinics located in Gurdaspur, Patiala, Ludhiana, Sangrur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Amritsar. These polyclinics, where advanced Indoor Patient Department (IPD) services were launched last year, reflect the government’s focus on building multi-specialty and integrated animal healthcare facilities.
“Our farmers are the backbone of Punjab’s prosperity, and the health of their livestock is directly linked to their income and well-being. The Blue Cross stores are a key step towards ensuring health and prosperity by making quality animal healthcare affordable and easily accessible,” said Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
He added that the initiative will encourage preventive care, reduce treatment costs, and protect farmers’ incomes by ensuring direct access to genuine medicines within veterinary polyclinics. The integration of pharmacy services with IPD facilities will also provide a seamless continuum of care—from diagnosis to recovery.
Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Rahul Bhandari, said the state government remains committed to strengthening the agrarian ecosystem and supporting all stakeholders in the animal husbandry value chain. He noted that initiatives like ‘Blue Cross’ will further consolidate Punjab’s position as a leader in livestock welfare and rural prosperity.