Jaipur, Oct 26 (IANS): Within three months of its launch, the innovative free-medicine scheme of the Rajasthan government meant for livestock has saved 180 camels owned by poor herdsmen in a single village.

"A large number of camels on a hill near Devla village at Aaspur in Dungarpur district were afflicted by an unknown disease. But the poor camel owners did not have to struggle for treatment," Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said in a statement.

"These animals were easily cured through our free medicine scheme. Veterinary treatment is expensive. The livelihood of many poor people depends on animal husbandry. If their animals take ill, they face major financial problems," he said.

"But we made this provision of free medicines to give relief to herdsmen who look after their livestock well. Now the benefits of the scheme (launched on Aug 15) are visible within three months of its launch," the chief minister added.

According to Aaspur's Zilla Parishad district chief Bhagwati lal Raut, information came in about the death of 18 camels belonging to the poor members of the Raibari community on the hill due to an unknown ailment.

"Officials visited the area, including veterinary doctors. Samples of blood and other body fluids were taken and sent to Udaipur and the disease was identified. The animals were treated under the free medicine scheme and 180 of them were saved."

Under the scheme, the state government has also started organising free treatment camps to create better awareness and popularise the scheme. An action-taken report has to be regularly sent regularly to the concerned department, an official said.

"Besides the farmers, many other categories of people in Rajasthan rear cows, buffalos, sheep, goats and camels for their livelihood. This scheme is available to all of them. The government is also making every effort to expand the scope and reach of the scheme," the official added.