Ratan Tata, the former Chairman of Tata Sons, left a transformative legacy in healthcare, especially in cancer care. His influence helped reshape access to treatment for underserved communities across India. Among his key contributions was the expansion of the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, a pioneering institution in cancer treatment and research, which continues to offer affordable care to underprivileged patients.

As Dr. Sudeep Gupta, Director of Tata Memorial Centre, remarked, “Ratan Tata played a pivotal role in enhancing cancer care across the nation. His leadership ensured the establishment of new facilities, including Tata Memorial Centre in Varanasi and state-of-the-art hospitals in Assam and Northeast India, bringing world-class treatment closer to the underserved.”

Tata’s commitment extended to the creation of the Tata Medical Center in Kolkata in 2011, focused on delivering affordable cancer treatment to economically disadvantaged groups. His holistic approach also encompassed rural healthcare programs and early cancer detection initiatives, helping bridge geographical and economic barriers to healthcare access.

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, highlighted Tata’s compassion, noting, “He showed the world that social responsibility and corporate success can go hand in hand.”

Beyond cancer care, Tata's impact on the broader healthcare industry was profound. He directed ₹1,500 crore during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, supply PPE, and support vaccine research. His influence also extended into healthcare technology, telemedicine, and medical device production, ensuring a long-lasting contribution to India's healthcare landscape.