Community animal health centre approach and its impact on the delivery of animal health services

Abstract

The present paper documents the effect of Community Animal Health Centres (CAHCs) on accessibility, affordability and quality parameters pertaining to animal health services rendered by them and subsequent impact on livestock health and productivity. The CAHCs were established in three tribal dominated villages of Banka district (Bihar) which were operated by trained and certified local youths. Ex-post-facto approach was adopted in the study, and data were collected from randomly selected 120 livestock owners in the geographic area served by the CHACs. It was found that, as a result of the CAHCs, the average distance of travel for seeking animal health services has reduced by 71.97%; ease of access has increased by 43.96%; timeliness of services has increased by 44.92%; average cost of seeking each of the animal health service has reduced by 79.71% and transportation cost associated with travel requirements has reduced by 44.92%. The CAHCs have also resulted in reduction in mortality among poultry birds and goats by 19 and 50%, respectively.