Redefining healthcare

May 9, 2024 | By Rupkatha B

Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare GCC

“More than just a super app, through our patient-centric approach, comprehensive offerings and commitment to innovation myAster app enables patients to access a wide range of services, therein fulfilling the UAE’s 2031 Vision for a robust health sector” – Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Aster DM Healthcare GCC

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across the GCC. The organisation’s robust integrated healthcare model includes 15 hospitals, 117 clinics and 285 pharmacies in the GCC serving all segments of the society through three differentiated brands – including Aster, Medcare and Access. And as Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare FZC, Alisha oversees the company’s strategic growth and development across the GCC region. With 11 years at Aster, she has led the company’s expansion into the GCC countries, establishing it as one of the region’s largest healthcare conglomerates. Alisha passionately advocates quality healthcare for all and remains committed to promoting women empowerment and mental health awareness through various initiatives.

myAster App at a Glance

1.2 million downloads since launch.
Provides access to 658+ doctors, 56+ clinics and 5 hospitals.
Facilitates delivery of prescription medicine and over-the-counter products within 90 minutes
Ready to branch out internationally.

Asked about an innovation that she is proud to have implemented within the business, Alisha said, “We take pride in the introduction of the myAster app, GCC’s first seamless omnichannel healthcare delivery platform. Since its launch in July 2022, myAster app has touched 4 million lives by enhancing accessibility to healthcare services, therein reflecting our commitment to leveraging technology for patient care and business performance improvement. What’s more, the myAster app ranks #1 as a free medical app with a 4+ star rating on both Play Store and App Store in the UAE.”

Being a forward-looking organisation, Aster has already created a robust roadmap for 2024-25 in which Saudi Arabia stands as a focal point for its strategic expansion efforts, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure.

“As the region anticipates significant growth in healthcare demands, we are poised to leverage our 37-year legacy of clinical excellence to meet the evolving needs of the Kingdom. Our commitment extends beyond the mere expansion of pharmacy networks in the country; we will be inaugurating the annex building of Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh, enhancing our capacity to serve more patients effectively. With plans to establish over 250 pharmacy stores within the next five years, and an annual addition of 50-100 pharmacies, we reaffirm our dedication to bringing accessible healthcare solutions closer to Saudi communities. This expansion encompasses not only pharmacies but also hospitals and clinics, reflecting our comprehensive approach to addressing evolving healthcare needs. In the broader GCC context, Saudi Arabia stands as a dynamic force driving transformative healthcare advancements, perfectly aligned with Aster’s regional expansion goals,” Alisha explained.

Pick up the April edition of IMAGES RetailME Magazine to read about ‘50 Outstanding Women in MENA Retail’.