Pradeep Vennelakanti Tirupati

TirumalaTirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has received an encouraging response from specialist doctors and other professionals across India and overseas for its newly launched Srivari Vaidya Seva programme, which aims to provide voluntary medical services to devotees.

The programme was introduced by TTD, inspired by the success of the Srivari Seva initiative and following the suggestions of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu to involve medical, veterinary and other professionals in voluntary service. TTD is currently implementing the programme on a three-month trial basis with a comprehensive action plan.

TTD joint executive officer Dr A Sarath said slot bookings opened on June 20 and 488 specialist doctors and experts from various fields have already registered. Specialist doctors are offered three-day service slots, while other doctors can serve for seven days. Those interested can also volunteer for one month, six months or even a year. Service slots are being allotted by the respective department heads based on hospital requirements.

The Go Seva programme launched under Srivari Vaidya Seva has also received a positive response. Dr Sarath said all service slots for the first three batches have been filled, reflecting the confidence shown by volunteers. The veterinary specialists are providing advanced treatment for cows at the TTD Gosamrakshana Shala, including diagnosis, surgeries and treatment of reproductive disorders.

So far, comprehensive health examinations have been conducted on 450 indigenous cows, and about 250 of them have been identified as having the potential for pregnancy. The experts have also guided goshala staff on proper feeding, nutrition, medical care, surgeries and daily management of the animals.

The veterinary team has treated several cows suffering from reproductive health problems. In one complex case, surgeons successfully performed corrective surgery on a cow born with a combined birth and excretory passage, creating separate functional passages. Another cow, which was unable to walk due to a leg problem, underwent successful surgery. Dr Sarath said such complicated procedures were being carried out by experienced veterinary specialists.

Veterinary expert Dr G Padmanabhan said serving cows was equivalent to serving Lord Venkateswara. He described the week-long service as a unique spiritual experience and said the team had been carrying out treatments, surgeries and disease prevention measures effectively. JEO Sarath appealed to every doctor participating in Srivari Vaidya Seva to share their experience with colleagues and encourage more professionals to join the initiative. He said TTD would review suggestions received from volunteers during the three-month trial period and make necessary improvements before implementing the programme on a larger scale.