Treating humps: Dubai opens world's first camel hospital

New Delhi: Dubai has become the first country in the world to come up with a camel hospital.

As per media reports, a $10.9 million camel hospital has opened in Al Marmoum, Dubai with state-of-the-art-treatment on a par with that offered for racehorses.

Director of the hospital Mohamed Al Bulooshi said "There are a lot of equine hospitals because horses have existed for centuries as have their races but for camels, no."

"We are very interested in preserving our heritage," he said. "And we found that we must care for camels, not only by breeding and raising them but also by being able to medically treat them."

The hospital has found it difficult to find equipment specific to treating camels and as a result, much of it has been made to order.

There is an operating theater and an x-ray room with MRI, and CAT scan facilities are to be installed next year.

Its customized equipment was adapted from equestrian medical equipment to accommodate camel treatment.

A surgery starts at $1,000 and an X-ray or ultrasound at $110.

There is also a small racetrack where the camels can be rehabilitated and the staff for the hospital has been recruited from the United Kingdom and Mexico.

(With Agency inputs)