After having relaunched in recent days the proposal to reactivate the Degree Course in Veterinary Medicine at UMG in Catanzaro, Regional Councillor Antonello Talerico met with Rector Cuda and subsequently had a discussion with President Roberto Occhiuto, who made himself absolutely available to support UMG University in reactivating the Course and in identifying/opening (a condition also required by Anvur) a Veterinary Medicine Hospital Hub.
During a public meeting, Councillor Talerico explained that in order to reactivate the Degree Course in Veterinary Medicine at UMG, it is first necessary for the University of Catanzaro to immediately take action to overcome the critical issues raised by Anvur and to identify a facility to be designated as a Veterinary Medicine Hospital (on this point, the Region's political will is to make this investment).
In essence – Talerico continues – it is necessary to immediately start with an action plan based on eight decisive pillars, which require the commitment of UMG and the Calabria Region and, specifically:
1. Immediate Establishment of an Operational Task Force with Real Powers.
- Joint Action: Establish a dedicated Task Force (with a university Coordinator, endowed with clear and defined powers, a Delegate of the Rector with decision-making authority over resources, a representative of the President of the Calabria Region) at the head of an interdisciplinary Team with academic, technical, legal, and managerial skills.
- Output: Formal joint decree region/university, with traceable roles and responsibilities.
2. Binding Agreement Region-University for the Executive Design and Launch of the University Veterinary Hospital (OVU).
- Joint Action: Sign a formal and binding programmatic agreement that defines the Region's financial commitment (also through EU funds) and a certain timetable for the realization of the OVU.
- Provide financial and design guarantees for the key infrastructure of the course, resolving ANVUR's critical issues (Updated project, realistic timetable, covered financial plan).
3. Immediate Structures and Strategic Partnerships (agreements for teaching and internships).
- University Action (with Regional support for agreements): Immediately set up/dedicate temporary but adequate structures for the start of the first two years of the Degree Course (classrooms, skill lab, anatomy/pathological anatomy – without making the activation of the course conditional on the completion of the OVU).
- University Action: recruit trained tutors and activate specific training agreements for Veterinary Medicine (e.g. with IZS, private clinics, livestock companies, processing companies - production chains). Start basic teaching in a short time and ensure excellent internships.
4. Quality and Sustainable Recruitment Plan (Teachers and Technicians):
- University Action: Three-year plans for teaching and technical staff, with multi-year financial coverage (Figures with clinical experience and commitment to practical teaching).
- Build a high-profile teaching and technical staff, essential for accreditation and quality.
5. Complete Academic Documentation and International Standards (also through strategic relationships with EAEVE-accredited Italian Veterinary Degree Courses).
- Degree Course regulations, bilingual syllabus, internship logbook: all compliant with EAEVE.
6. Permanent Institutional Synergy (Institutional and Professional Stakeholders).
- Joint Action: establishment of a permanent Steering Committee with the Region (key Departments), Ministry of Health and Ministry of University, FNOVI, Orders, IZS, companies for technical support and resources.
Ensure the alignment of the course with international, national standards and the needs of the territory.
7. Solid, Scheduled, Covered Financial Plan
- Joint action: detailed cost framework for OVU, teaching, staff, operation.
- Funding sources: University, Calabria Region (co-financing), MUR, European funds.
- Region-University agreement essential for unlocking and planning funds.
8. Realistic Timelines and Accreditation Goal
- Joint action: new ANVUR proposal in 18-24 months with rigorous internal review before submission.
In conclusion this is a plan that requires strong political will, concrete financial commitment, and full institutional collaboration.
The reactivation of Veterinary Medicine is a strategic investment for animal health, economic development, and the prestige of Calabria, also as a reference hospital hub for the entire South, capable of having an economic and development impact in some respects even greater than the activation of any other degree course and, this is because the numbers and data of users (companies and individuals) both as active and passive mobility would generate higher revenues than any other operation, apart from the training and research activities that would make our UMG among the most attractive in this segment (there are few active veterinary hospitals in Italy).