Ratan Naval Tata, one of India's most revered industrialists and philanthropists, was known not just for his business acumen but also for his compassion towards animals, particularly dogs. His last major project, a small animal hospital in Mumbai, stands as a testament to his love for animals and his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
A Hospital Close to Tata's Heart
In July, Tata's vision materialized into a cutting-edge, five-story animal hospital located in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. The Rs 165 crore facility is one of its kind, offering advanced medical care for animals across the country. Spanning 98,000 square feet, it provides 24/7 emergency care, ICUs, HDUs with life support for critically ill animals, and specialized treatment in fields such as dermatology, dental care, and ophthalmology. The hospital also boasts advanced diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
The journey to building this hospital was long and deeply personal for Tata. Years ago, he had flown one of his pets to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement surgery. Unfortunately, he arrived too late, and the dog’s joint had to be frozen in a fixed position. This experience left a lasting impression on him, sparking his dream of creating world-class veterinary care in India.
First-of-Its-Kind Facility
Initially announced in 2017, the hospital was originally planned to be located in Navi Mumbai. However, recognizing the need for a more accessible location for pet owners, Tata decided to move the project to the heart of Mumbai. British veterinarian Dr. Thomas Heathcote, who leads the hospital, has been instrumental in bringing Tata’s dream to life. "Opening this hospital has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career," said Dr. Heathcote, expressing his pride in leading a project that promises to revolutionize animal care in India.
The hospital, operated by the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF) and supported by the Tata Trusts, is a non-profit venture aimed at serving thousands of animals. Dr. Heathcote believes it will make a significant impact in the field of animal healthcare, providing top-tier services to both pets and their owners.
Tata’s Philanthropic Legacy
Ratan Tata’s philanthropy extends far beyond his business ventures. His compassion for animals was evident in his work, from supporting organizations focused on animal welfare to creating a dog-friendly environment at Bombay House, the Tata Group’s headquarters. There, a special kennel was set up to provide shelter for stray dogs, and Tata frequently shared heartwarming stories of his pets on social media.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to animals, the Mumbai hospital also plans to include an annex dedicated to the sterilization and treatment of stray dogs, operated by the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs. This facility, part of a future phase, will ensure that strays receive proper care and contribute to controlling the city's stray population.
Since its opening, the hospital has already gained widespread praise from pet owners across Mumbai. One dog owner described it as a "godsend" for emergency care, highlighting the kindness and professionalism of the staff. Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty also publicly thanked the hospital after her dog, Truffle, underwent surgery there. “I have to applaud the doctors and hospital staff for their expertise and aftercare services,” Shetty wrote in an Instagram post, expressing her relief at having such a facility available in the city.
Though Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86, his legacy lives on through his contributions to both industry and philanthropy. The small animal hospital in Mumbai stands as a lasting tribute to his love for animals and his dedication to making the world a better place.
Tata's final project is not just a facility; it is a beacon of hope for animals and pet owners, ensuring that top-notch care is available right in the heart of the city. His love for animals, particularly dogs, shines through this extraordinary achievement, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care.
A Hospital Close to Tata's Heart
In July, Tata's vision materialized into a cutting-edge, five-story animal hospital located in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai. The Rs 165 crore facility is one of its kind, offering advanced medical care for animals across the country. Spanning 98,000 square feet, it provides 24/7 emergency care, ICUs, HDUs with life support for critically ill animals, and specialized treatment in fields such as dermatology, dental care, and ophthalmology. The hospital also boasts advanced diagnostic tools like CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and ultrasounds.
The journey to building this hospital was long and deeply personal for Tata. Years ago, he had flown one of his pets to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement surgery. Unfortunately, he arrived too late, and the dog’s joint had to be frozen in a fixed position. This experience left a lasting impression on him, sparking his dream of creating world-class veterinary care in India.
First-of-Its-Kind Facility
Initially announced in 2017, the hospital was originally planned to be located in Navi Mumbai. However, recognizing the need for a more accessible location for pet owners, Tata decided to move the project to the heart of Mumbai. British veterinarian Dr. Thomas Heathcote, who leads the hospital, has been instrumental in bringing Tata’s dream to life. "Opening this hospital has been one of the most exhilarating experiences of my career," said Dr. Heathcote, expressing his pride in leading a project that promises to revolutionize animal care in India.
The hospital, operated by the Advanced Veterinary Care Foundation (AVCF) and supported by the Tata Trusts, is a non-profit venture aimed at serving thousands of animals. Dr. Heathcote believes it will make a significant impact in the field of animal healthcare, providing top-tier services to both pets and their owners.
Tata’s Philanthropic Legacy
Ratan Tata’s philanthropy extends far beyond his business ventures. His compassion for animals was evident in his work, from supporting organizations focused on animal welfare to creating a dog-friendly environment at Bombay House, the Tata Group’s headquarters. There, a special kennel was set up to provide shelter for stray dogs, and Tata frequently shared heartwarming stories of his pets on social media.
In keeping with his lifelong commitment to animals, the Mumbai hospital also plans to include an annex dedicated to the sterilization and treatment of stray dogs, operated by the NGO Welfare of Stray Dogs. This facility, part of a future phase, will ensure that strays receive proper care and contribute to controlling the city's stray population.
Since its opening, the hospital has already gained widespread praise from pet owners across Mumbai. One dog owner described it as a "godsend" for emergency care, highlighting the kindness and professionalism of the staff. Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty also publicly thanked the hospital after her dog, Truffle, underwent surgery there. “I have to applaud the doctors and hospital staff for their expertise and aftercare services,” Shetty wrote in an Instagram post, expressing her relief at having such a facility available in the city.
Though Ratan Tata passed away at the age of 86, his legacy lives on through his contributions to both industry and philanthropy. The small animal hospital in Mumbai stands as a lasting tribute to his love for animals and his dedication to making the world a better place.
Tata's final project is not just a facility; it is a beacon of hope for animals and pet owners, ensuring that top-notch care is available right in the heart of the city. His love for animals, particularly dogs, shines through this extraordinary achievement, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and care.
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