Veterinary Education Establishments (VEEs) and Veterinary Statutory Bodies (VSBs) go hand in hand and they are recognized as pillars for effective implementation of Veterinary Services (VS). The OIE has held four Global Conferences on Veterinary Education since 2009, with the most recent in 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. Subsequently recommendations and guidelines were developed on “Competencies of graduating veterinarians (‘Day 1 graduates’)”, ”Veterinary Education Core Curriculum”, “Veterinary Education Twinning Projects” and “Veterinary Statutory Bodies Twinning Projects”.
In the sub-region of South East Asia, there has been significant regional coordination and advancement made relating to VEEs and VSBs with meetings organised with OIE SRR-SEA for several years. There has been a desire for more information sharing and coordination among East Asian members and with South East Asian members, therefore this Regional Workshop for VEEs and VSBs was organised with the Government of The Republic of Korea, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs and with the support of the Korean Veterinary Medical Association and the World Veterinary Congress, during the World Veterinary Congress in Incheon, R.O Korea.
Participants to this workshop came from across East and South East Asia from Veterinary Education Establishments and Veterinary Authorities as well as from regional associations such as the Asian Association of Veterinary Schools. Much information was gathered and shared during the two day workshop. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the different systems that are currently in place and gain valuable insights into issues faced by members and share possible solutions and learn from the experiences of different members.
Holding the workshop during the World Veterinary Congress gave opportunities for the participants to attend lectures and seminars, and meet with other experts. There was also discussion around Veterinary Paraprofessionals and their varying supporting roles to the Veterinary Services.
As this was the first workshop of its kind, it was important to gather baseline information on the current situation and challenges that are faced. Through continued discussion and coordination among members, associations and organisations it is hoped to progress veterinary education and regulations to ensure improvement and maintenance of the quality of veterinary services in line with the OIE recommendations and guidelines on these topics.
