Ratan Naval Tata, one of India's most respected industrialists and philanthropists, has left behind a legacy of compassion that extends beyond his business ventures, with a particular focus on animal welfare. His final major project, a state-of-the-art animal hospital in Mumbai, stands as a lasting tribute to his deep love for animals, particularly dogs.
A cutting-edge animal hospital In July, Tata's vision became a reality with the inauguration of a cutting-edge, five-story animal hospital located in Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi area. The facility, built at a cost of Rs 165 crore, is the first of its kind in India, offering advanced medical care for animals across the country. The sprawling 98,000-square-foot hospital operates around the clock, providing emergency care, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), High Dependency Units (HDUs) with life support for critically ill animals, and specialised services in dermatology, dentistry, and ophthalmology.
Equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, including CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds, the hospital aims to set new standards for veterinary care in India.
A Personal Journey of Compassion Tata’s commitment to this project was deeply personal. Years ago, he had to fly one of his pets to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement surgery. However, the procedure could not be performed in time, leaving the dog’s joint permanently fixed. This incident left a lasting impact on Tata and spurred his dream to bring world-class veterinary care to India.
First-of-Its-Kind in India Initially announced in 2017 with plans for a Navi Mumbai location, the hospital was eventually shifted to Mahalaxmi to ensure better accessibility for pet owners. The hospital is led by British veterinarian Dr. Thomas Heathcote, whose leadership has been crucial in realising Tata's vision.
"Opening this hospital has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career," said Dr. Heathcote, who expressed his pride in leading a project poised to transform animal healthcare in India.
A Non-Profit Initiative Operated by the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF) with support from the Tata Trusts, the hospital is a non-profit venture aimed at serving thousands of animals in need. Dr. Heathcote believes that the hospital will have a lasting impact on the field of animal healthcare, offering top-tier services to both pets and their owners.
Ratan Tata's final project is a testament to his enduring compassion and dedication to improving the lives of animals, marking a significant milestone in India's veterinary care landscape. Tata, chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, one of the biggest conglomerates in India, passed away on October 9 in Mumbai.