Ratan Tata To Open India's First Small Animal Hospital In Mumbai (image-facebook/Ratan Naval Tata)
Ratan Tata is all set to launch India’s first state-of-the-art Small Animal Hospital in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai in the first week of March. The Small Animal Hospital spans 2.2 acres, across 5 floors with a capacity of about 200 beds.
“Pets are considered integral members of families today. Having cared for numerous pets in my lifetime, I understand the necessity for such a hospital,” Tata said in an exclusive interview with TOI. His past experience gave him the exposure to the facilities of a world-class veterinary hospital which gave way for the birth of a similar facility in Mumbai.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, born out of a personal struggle for his injured pet, the facility will stand out as one the few 24×7 hospitals in India for small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and others. However, the dream could only begin after his retirement as chairman of Tata Sons in 2012.
The hospital will be led by Thomas Heathcote, a British veterinarian who has relocated to Mumbai specifically for this project. Tied up with five UK veterinary schools including the Royal Veterinary College London for training, offering multidisciplinary care for pet animals. The establishment will also have a facility, run by an NGO, dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs.
Providing pet-sanitized veterinarians, nurses and technicians trained to deliver quality care, the hospital will have facilities such as Emergency and Critical Care, Inpatient and ICU units, Surgical Services, Pharmacy Services, Support Functions such as Diagnostics, Laboratory and Anesthesia among other services.
While the hospital was initially planned in Kalamboli, Navi Mumbai, it was moved to Mahalaxmi to reduce commute time. The relocation, however, created delays in getting the required permissions. The pandemic created further delays in the construction of the hospital.
The current healthcare infrastructure for animals stands inadequate. With the launch of the Tata hospital, pet parents will have a place to turn to with world-class facilities and treatments.
