Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Experts from the Institute of Macroeconomic and Regional Research (IMRI) studied foreign experience in the privatization of veterinary services, and also analyzed the current situation in Uzbekistan.

In developed countries, veterinary services are provided on a private basis on a consumer-pays basis. Gradually, developing countries are also moving from predominantly state-run veterinary services to decentralization and privatization of veterinary services.

New Zealand divides veterinary practice into "non-contested" and "contested" parts, with the government providing regulation and some services, while clinical and preventive veterinary services are provided by private practices. In addition, in areas of the country with a small number of private veterinarians, livestock owners themselves perform a number of para-veterinary functions.

The Kenya Veterinary Association provided loans to open private clinics, and although the first phase was successful, the second phase faced problems repaying the loans. In addition, special loan schemes have been offered to para-professionals for the purchase of motorcycles.

In Uzbekistan, to improve productivity in livestock farming, it is necessary to improve the quality of the existing livestock in the republic, including through the development of the provision of veterinary services.

During 2017-2022, the volume of veterinary services provided in the republic increased by 2.9 times, including by the state veterinary service - by 1.7 times, by private veterinarians - by 5.5 times.

The share of services provided by private veterinarians in the total volume of veterinary services increased from 28.9% in 2017 to 56.3% in 2022 throughout the republic.

Recommendations for intensifying the process of privatization of veterinary services:

- conducting an audit of veterinary services and identifying those services (in accordance with FAO recommendations) that can be transferred under the responsibility of private practice or implemented under the PPP principle;

- improving the training of veterinary personnel with an emphasis on allocating more time for practice;

- training para-veterinarians by conducting educational courses and trainings in rural areas for small livestock owners and unemployed youth to provide para-veterinary services;

- revision of veterinary legislation and its harmonization with the requirements and principles of the WTO on veterinary and phytosanitary measures.