Tata Trusts and People For Animals plan to launch a multi-specialty veterinary hospital with a total holding capacity of 235, with emergency, in-patient and out-patient facilities for small and large animals
Tata Trusts – one of India’s oldest philanthropic organisations – and People For Animals have collaborated to build a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty veterinary hospital and emergency clinic that will serve the needs of all domestic and farm animals at accessible and affordable rates. The hospital will be located at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai and is expected to be ready in next two years. The Animal Care Centre is expected to be a state-of-the-art animal hospital spread over 9,000 sqm with a total holding capacity of 235, with emergency, in-patient and out-patient facilities for small and large animals. The Centre will be equipped with operation theaters, an intensive care unit, recovery rooms, imaging and pathology services. It is conceived as a one-stop destination that provides high-quality medical care for animals, with specialized services in orthopaedics, dentistry, trauma surgery and other treatments presently lacking in the greater Mumbai region. In addition to the medical facilities for animals, the proposed hospital will also impart continuing veterinary education, trainings, host workshops and programmes for the skill development of practicing veterinarians. The Centre will additionally train veterinary support staff to enable the building of a cadre of well-trained professionals who can provide service the hospital as well as contribute to the greater human resources that needs in animal healthcare in India.
Estimate indicates that there are at least 50,000 registered pets, 70,000 unregistered pets, 200,000 stray dogs, and 300,000 stray cats in Mumbai, for which there are only two full-time animal hospitals available that caters all their needs, treating hundreds of animals daily. One full-time animal hospital in Central Mumbai simply cannot cater to the needs of all the animals in distress across Greater Mumbai conveniently. With the next closest animal hospital located in the neighbouring district of Thane, many sick or injured animals – both pets and homeless – perish solely because of the lack of access to adequate local veterinary care facilities. The aim is to plug the existing gap in animal welfare in Maharashtra by setting up a strategically placed animal hospital catering to animals from Mumbai City, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Khandala, Lonavala, and Alibag as well. All of the world’s major cities from New York to Shanghai have several comprehensive animal care facilities within accessible limits and Mumbai should be no exception. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Founder, PFA, said, “I would like to thank Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Mr Ratan Tata for their support to realise a vision that dates back to 35 years when Pritish Nandy, MF Hussain, Mario Miranda, Anupam Kher and I came together and voiced our need for a pan-India animal organisation. I approached Tata Trusts and they have always helped me for various programmes and I am deeply grateful for this. Today, what is taking place is a miracle.” The Chief Minister said, “This is a proud moment for Mumbai, when organisations like PFA and Tata Trusts for participating in such a noble cause.” He said with Maneka ji and Tata Trusts coming together, “This will create capabilities that can serve the entire country. I am sure this coming endeavour will benefit the people of Maharashtra, and I thank both People For Animals and Tata Trusts for taking up this initiative. I assure you that you will always have the support of the Government of Maharashtra.” Mr Ratan N. Tata, an ardent dog lover and Chairman, Tata Trusts, said, “Today is a very special day for me, because it is a dream for me and I can see it coming true. A state-of-the-art animal and care unit for the city of Mumbai was much needed. We are happy…. Tata Trusts has agreed to fund this facility as it will help save animals who give so much of themselves to us. A promise has been made to give the city a good facility and I trust all of us who have been involved, to have the passion and integrity to make this happen.” Tata Trusts and People For Animals are committed to ensuring that the Animal Care Centre becomes a top-quality institution for animal healthcare in India by fostering international collaborations with partners such as Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, world leaders in veterinary care. Cornell University will bring to the project their expertise and provide inputs on the designing, planning and operations of the facility.
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