Ratan Tata is known as the man of charity and legacy in whole world. Ratan Tata is a renowned Indian businessman, philanthropist, and former chairman of the Tata Group. He is known for his significant contributions to charity and philanthropy, focusing on education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
In 2017 Tata Trusts pledged ₹1000 crore to create affordable cancer treatment facilities across India. Ratan Tata personally take it initiative and established & upgraded Cancer-care centres in 5 states- Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Uttar Praddesh, Andra Pradesh, and Assam.
One of the Ratan Tata’s most enduring legacies is his pivotal contribution to cancer care in India- this is a cause that he championed throughout his career. The leadership of the late Tata Sons chairman played a important role in the expansion of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, powering its emergence as one of India’s premier institutions for cancer research and treatment.
Ratan Tata says that how he was affected when his mother, Soonoo Tata, was diagnosed with cancer in 1982, just three year after he became the head of Tata Industries. This experience influenced his lifelong dedication to improving cancer care in India.
He spoke about the country’s worrying cancer statistics over 70% of cases diagnosed at advanced stages, severely limited chances of treatment. Determined to chance this, he set an ambitious target to reserve the diagnosis ratio from 30:70 to 70:30. So all are efforts to this goal by Ratan Tata.
Ratan Tata’s initiative was integrating these services into govt insurance schemes, which aimed to eliminate financial barriers that often dater people from seeking timely treatment. This approach was a game changer in India’s healthcare landscape, making cancer screening and treatment more accessible and affordable for millions of people.
Early this year, the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai also made a significant break through in cancer treatment research. After a decade of dedicated work by researcher and doctors, the institute announced the discovery of a tablet designed to prevent cancer recurrence. This tablet, costing just Rs 100, promises to reduce the side effects from traditional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy by nearly 50% offering an affordable solution for patients undergoing cancer therapy.
The Weapon For Cancer Fight
The Tata Memorial Hospital was initially commissioned by JRD Tata, a trustee of Dorabji Tata Trust,on Feb 28 ,1941. At the opening ceremony,Roger Lumley, then governor of bombay ,predicted that the hospital would serve as the “spearhead of the attack on cancer in this country” . he saw it as a critical centre for disseminating advanced cancer care knowledge across India. In 1961,the hospital was transferred to the department of atomic energy ,marking a new phase in its development .
Originally an 80 bed facility occupying 15,000 sq.m in Parel and with a modest annual budget of Rs 5 lakh, it has since transformed into Tata Memorial Centre(TMC) , one of the Asia’s largest cancer hospitals.
Today, TMC boasts 1,150 beds and its annual budget exceeds Rs 300 crore. Despite this growth, the hospital continuous to face challenges as the increasing number of cancer cases and the steady influx of patients strain its resources. Over 60% of TMC’s patients receive free or highly subsidised treatment, earning it a reputation as a ”temple” for families in need of affordable care.
Tata Trusts:
Ratan Tata chairs the Tata Trusts, a collection of philanthropic organizations established by the Tata Group’s founders. The trusts focus on:
- Education: Tata Education and Development Trust
- Healthcare: Tata Medical Center Trust
- Arts and Culture: Tata Cultural Trust
- Rural Development: Tata Rural Development Trust
Efforts by Ratan Tata in Medical & Healthcare
Ratan Tata has been involved in various medical and healthcare initiatives through the Tata Group and Tata Trusts. Here are some notable aspects of his medical history and philanthropy:
Medical Institutions:
- Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai: Founded in 1941, it’s one of India’s leading cancer treatment centers.
- Tata Medical Center, Kolkata: Established in 2011, it provides affordable healthcare, especially cancer treatment.
- Tata Cancer Hospital, Mumbai: A 150-bed hospital for cancer treatment, inaugurated in 1952.
Healthcare Initiatives:
- Tata Trusts’ Health Initiative: Focuses on rural healthcare, cancer treatment, and medical research.
- Tata Medical Center’s Telemedicine Program: Expands healthcare access to rural areas.
- Tata Cancer Care Program: Provides financial assistance and support services to cancer patients.
Some Partnerships:
- Harvard Medical School
- University of California, San Diego
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
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