After retiring as chairman of Tata Sons, Ratan Tata shifted his focus to his passion project: establishing an animal hospital in Mumbai. His vision of launching a top-notch animal hospital in India is on the verge of becoming a reality with the unveiling of the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi.
Ratan Tata, a renowned animal enthusiast, shared with Times of India his vision for a state-of-the-art facility for small animals in Mumbai.
“In today’s world, a pet is viewed as part of the family. Having cared for numerous pets throughout my life, I understand the necessity for such a hospital,” stated the 86-year-old.
Tata recognized the importance of a world-class animal hospital early on. He recounted an incident when he had to transport a pet to the University of Minnesota for a joint replacement. “Unfortunately, I arrived too late, and they had to immobilize the dog’s joint. This experience enlightened me about the capabilities of a top-tier veterinary hospital,” he explained.
The Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital, constructed at a cost of Rs 165 crore, spans five stories and accommodates up to 200 patients. Overseen by Thomas Heathcote, a British veterinarian who relocated to Mumbai for this endeavor, the hospital’s team is ready to serve.
Initially planned for Navi Mumbai when announced in 2017, Ratan Tata relocated the hospital to a more central location to avoid deterring pet parents due to long commutes.
“This distance could have discouraged pet parents, particularly those requiring emergency services. Finding suitable land and obtaining permissions also contributed to delays,” explained the philanthropist and industrialist. The construction faced additional setbacks due to the Covid pandemic.
“It took about a year and a half to renegotiate agreements, complete documentation, and paperwork. By the time we resumed normal operations, inflationary pressures had increased expenses for steel, manpower, and raw materials,” Tata added.
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