MALE, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, has inaugurated the island's first ever veterinary clinic to strengthen the animal health care system, the Maldives Public Service Media (PSM) reported Friday.
Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture Zaha Waheed, while inaugurating the clinic, said that since many Maldivians now adopted animals as pets in their households it was important to provide a clinic for pet owners to treat their animals and ensure a healthy environment.
"The health of pets are directly related to the health of its owners," the minister said.
She further added that the services provided by the clinic would be enhanced in the coming days and efforts were underway to import medicine for pets with assistance from the State Trading Organization (STO).
Before the inauguration ceremony, the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture provided treatment for pets via a mobile veterinary service.
