Latest news with #AzadMoopen
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
‘We plan to add 1,700 beds by FY27; 57% beds likely in tier 2/3 cities'
Kochi- and Dubai-based Aster DM Healthcare, founded by Dr Azad Moopen in 1987 with a single clinic in Dubai, expects to complete the takeover of the Blackstone and TPG-backed Quality Care Hospital by the fourth quarter of this fiscal. The takeover will result in the third largest hospital chain Aster Quality Care, after Apollo and Fortis, with 38 hospitals across four brands -- Aster DM, Care Hospitals, KIMS Health and Evercare -- offering over 10,150 beds spread across 27 locations. Aster Quality Care is now jointly controlled by the Moopen family holding 24% and Blackstone owning 30.7%. In an interaction with Benn Kochuveedan of TNIE, Dr Azad Moopen shares his plans and expectations from the largest deal that his group has done. Excerpts: When do you see the merger of Quality Care Hospital getting completed? What are the targets in terms of revenue, profit expansion etc? The merger brings together four leading healthcare brands — Aster DM, Care Hospitals, KIMS Health, and Evercare — forming one of the largest hospital chains with 38 hospitals and over 10,150 beds across 27 cities. Financially, the merger strengthens the balance sheet and cash flow, enabling accelerated expansion plans. We aim to increase bed capacity to around 13,300 beds by FY27, further expanding our reach into tier 2 and 3 cities, providing a platform for sustained growth in the future. The merger is expected to be concluded by Q4FY26, with benefits expected to start flowing in from early FY27. What are the synergies you see from the merger? The merger unlocks significant synergies that will drive growth, operational efficiencies, and enhanced patient care across the combined network. Integrating our extensive hospital portfolios will allow the new entity to benefit from economies of scale by negotiating better terms with suppliers, reducing costs, and streamlining inventory management that will lower operational expenses and improve margins. What is the capex plan for fiscal 2026, especially in light of the merger-driven expansion? How many more hospitals and beds to come up this fiscal? We plan to add 1,700 beds by FY27, taking the total bed tally in India to over 6,800 through the organic route and will further look for expansion through the inorganic route. Our overall capital allocation for expansion across the domestic market is Rs 1,400 crore, of which we have already spent around Rs 350-400 crore. You have announced a Rs 850-crore investment in Kerala. What is the strategic thinking behind focusing so much on Kerala, which is often seen as a relatively mature market? Kerala is now poised for a significant transformation with a planned investment of Rs 850 crore over the next three years. This expansion will be anchored by two major greenfield projects: Aster Capital Trivandrum, a 454-bed tertiary care facility, and Aster MIMS Kasaragod, a 264-bed multispecialty hospital. In addition, our flagship hospital, Aster Medcity in Kochi, is undergoing a substantial upgrade. By FY27, our total bed capacity in Kerala is expected to reach 3,453, marking a milestone in our journey of delivering quality healthcare and driving sustainable growth. Affordable healthcare remains a chimera for the average citizen. What is Aster doing differently on this front? To balance affordability and sustainability, we centralise complex procedures in larger hospitals, while smaller units focus on primary/secondary care. By FY27, as much as 57% of our planned bed additions will be in tier 2/3 cities, reinforcing our commitment to these regions. Technology is key to bridging gaps, with telemedicine set to grow at 20.7% annually till FY30, reaching $15.1 billion. Our digital health arm is expanding tele-ICU, teleradiology, AI-driven diagnostics, IoT monitoring, and EMR platforms to enhance accessibility, affordability, and quality care nationwide. What are the digital initiatives of the group? Some of our technology-driven, patient-friendly initiatives include the introduction of the Aster Health app that offers appointment bookings, e-pharmacy, and access to digital health records. We have come up with AI-powered diagnostic solutions, including the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome detection tool in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science. We are also expanding the home healthcare services under Aster@Home, providing in-home consultations, diagnostics, and physiotherapy, catering to India's growing elderly and chronic care populations.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Aster DM Healthcare lines up Rs 1,900 crore capex to expand presence
Bengaluru: Aster DM Healthcare has lined up Rs 1,900 crore to expand its hospital network across India. This strategic expansion aims to increase its total bed capacity to 13,600 by the 2026-27 financial year, positioning Aster as one of the top healthcare providers in the country. "The merger between Aster DM Healthcare and Quality Care India unlocks significant synergies that will drive growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced patient care across the combined network. As part of our expansion strategy in India, the merged entity plans to add 3,300 beds organically. Of these, around 2,100 beds will be added by Aster and the remaining by QCIL. The total capex outlay is Rs 1,878 crore, of which Rs 323 crore was already spent so far in the 2025 fiscal," said Dr Azad Moopen, founder and chairman of Aster DM Healthcare. Of the 2,100 beds planned for Aster's India expansion, Bengaluru will get 939 new beds, including the upcoming hospital on Sarjapur Road, strengthening Aster's position among the city's top three healthcare providers. Moopen said 818 beds will be added in Kerala over the next three years, anchored by two greenfield projects—Aster Kasargod (264 beds) and Trivandrum (454 beds). In Hyderabad, a 300-bed women and children's hospital will be commissioned soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Robotic-assisted surgeries are a key part of Aster's oncology capabilities, with the use of cutting-edge platforms like the fourth-generation Da Vinci Robot and SSI Mantra, which allow for minimally invasive, high-accuracy procedures. In the last financial year alone, Aster performed over 1,865 robotic surgeries and 575 transplants, underscoring the trust placed in its expertise by a growing patient community. Through a combination of advanced technology and compassionate, patient-centric care, Aster is redefining the cancer treatment journey across its network. "We have also launched three groundbreaking initiatives—Precision Oncology Clinics, the Aster Cancer Grid, and Onco Collect software. These efforts are designed to personalise cancer treatments based on genomic profiling, ensuring therapies are tailored to individual patients for greater efficacy and reduced side effects. By leveraging genetic testing and molecular diagnostics, we aim to bring precision medicine to the forefront of cancer care. The Aster Cancer Grid connects hospitals, researchers, and institutions to foster collaborative research, standardise clinical practices, and support multi-centre clinical trials."
Web Release
12-06-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Aster Volunteers UAE Recycles 750 Kgs of E-Waste in 4th Collection Drive
Aster Volunteers UAE, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, recently organized an impactful 4th E-Waste Collection Drive as part of the 'Aster Green Choices initiative', reinforcing Aster DM Healthcare's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Collection boxes were strategically placed in nine Aster units across the UAE, including Aster Jubilee Medical Centre Bur Dubai, Aster Hospital Mankhool, Aster Hospital Qusais, Aster Hospital Sharjah, Medcare Orthopedics and Spine Hospital, Medcare Al Safa, Aster Clinic Al Warqa, Aster Corporate Office Al Diyafah, Aster Retail Warehouse – Dubai Investment Park, and Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic, Jebel Ali. Additionally, Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah supported the initiative by contributing some e-waste. The drive resulted in the recycling of 750 kgs of e-waste in collaboration with E-Scrappy. To date, the initiative has cumulatively recycled 1,998 kgs of e-waste over the four editions. The drive not only highlighted the importance of proper e-waste disposal but also educated the public on the environmental impact of electronic waste, encouraging more sustainable practices across the UAE. Over the years, the initiative has successfully recycled 496 kgs of e-waste in 2020, 318 kgs in 2023, 434 kgs in 2024 and now 750 kgs in 2025. Asterians from various units played a crucial role by collecting e-waste from nearby shops and bringing electronic waste from their homes to designated collection boxes. The collected e-waste was responsibly recycled by E-scrappy, who issued a Green Certificate to Aster Volunteers UAE, underscoring their commitment to environmental management. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, commented on the initiative, stating, 'Our commitment to environmental sustainability continues to be a core pillar of Aster's mission, guided by our ESG framework and alignment with 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Aligned with the spirit of World Environment Day, with each edition of the E-Waste Collection Drive, we build greater awareness about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal and foster a culture of recycling within our communities. The success and continued growth of this initiative reaffirm our belief that collective action can drive meaningful environmental impact. Alongside efforts like tree plantations, indoor and seed plant distributions, and clean-up drives, the E-Waste Collection Drive reflects our enduring dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.' The E-Waste Collection Drive is part of Aster DM Healthcare's broader environmental sustainability strategy, which includes other countries like Qatar, KSA, Oman, and India. The company's long-term goals focus on mitigating the environmental impact of toxins leached from buried metals, ensuring the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste. Over the last few years, Aster Volunteers has emerged into a global movement driven by over 85,000 volunteers who have impacted over 6.5 million lives. Aster DM Healthcare GCC achieved a significant reduction of 541 tCO2e in net greenhouse gas emissions through the integration of solar energy sources, including 1,340,000 KWh of solar energy as on 31st March 2024. The company also excelled in waste management, recycling 64,871 kilograms of waste, including 3,992 kilograms of plastic waste, 2,835 kilograms of paper waste, and 434 kilograms of e-waste. The organization prioritizes waste segregation at the source, enabling efficient recycling of biomedical, plastic, food, metals, paper, and cardboard waste. Aster's Annual ESG Report for FY 23-24 highlighted a reduction of 1,769 KL in water consumption across nine hospitals. Social initiatives under Aster Volunteers have significantly contributed to community health, disaster aid, and social empowerment programs. Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, has received three prestigious awards from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Arabia CSR Awards for its sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and community initiatives. Recognized with the 'Advanced CSR Label for 2022' by the Dubai Chamber, Aster has excelled in Workplace, Marketplace, Community, and Environment impact areas for four consecutive years. The company integrates 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its ESG policies through initiatives like Aster Volunteers, impacting communities globally. Aster also signed the Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement at COP27 and was the only Middle Eastern and Indian company listed among Corporate Knights' Global 100 sustainable companies for 2022, showcasing its commitment to building sustainable organizations. Looking ahead, Aster DM Healthcare aims to continue its commitment to environmental sustainability by organizing more e-waste collection drives and other green initiatives. The organization's long-term goals include reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices across all its operations.
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Aster Volunteers UAE Recycles 750 Kgs of E-Waste in 4th Collection Drive - Middle East Business News and Information
Aster Volunteers UAE, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, recently organized an impactful 4th E-Waste Collection Drive as part of the 'Aster Green Choices initiative', reinforcing Aster DM Healthcare's unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. Collection boxes were strategically placed in nine Aster units across the UAE, including Aster Jubilee Medical Centre Bur Dubai, Aster Hospital Mankhool, Aster Hospital Qusais, Aster Hospital Sharjah, Medcare Orthopedics and Spine Hospital, Medcare Al Safa, Aster Clinic Al Warqa, Aster Corporate Office Al Diyafah, Aster Retail Warehouse – Dubai Investment Park, and Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic, Jebel Ali. Additionally, Medcare Royal Specialty Hospital Qusais and Medcare Hospital Sharjah supported the initiative by contributing some e-waste. The drive resulted in the recycling of 750 kgs of e-waste in collaboration with E-Scrappy. To date, the initiative has cumulatively recycled 1,998 kgs of e-waste over the four editions. The drive not only highlighted the importance of proper e-waste disposal but also educated the public on the environmental impact of electronic waste, encouraging more sustainable practices across the UAE. Over the years, the initiative has successfully recycled 496 kgs of e-waste in 2020, 318 kgs in 2023, 434 kgs in 2024 and now 750 kgs in 2025. Asterians from various units played a crucial role by collecting e-waste from nearby shops and bringing electronic waste from their homes to designated collection boxes. The collected e-waste was responsibly recycled by E-scrappy, who issued a Green Certificate to Aster Volunteers UAE, underscoring their commitment to environmental management. Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, commented on the initiative, stating, 'Our commitment to environmental sustainability continues to be a core pillar of Aster's mission, guided by our ESG framework and alignment with 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Aligned with the spirit of World Environment Day, with each edition of the E-Waste Collection Drive, we build greater awareness about the importance of responsible e-waste disposal and foster a culture of recycling within our communities. The success and continued growth of this initiative reaffirm our belief that collective action can drive meaningful environmental impact. Alongside efforts like tree plantations, indoor and seed plant distributions, and clean-up drives, the E-Waste Collection Drive reflects our enduring dedication to a greener, more sustainable future.' The E-Waste Collection Drive is part of Aster DM Healthcare's broader environmental sustainability strategy, which includes other countries like Qatar, KSA, Oman, and India. The company's long-term goals focus on mitigating the environmental impact of toxins leached from buried metals, ensuring the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste. Over the last few years, Aster Volunteers has emerged into a global movement driven by over 85,000 volunteers who have impacted over 6.5 million lives. Aster DM Healthcare GCC achieved a significant reduction of 541 tCO2e in net greenhouse gas emissions through the integration of solar energy sources, including 1,340,000 KWh of solar energy as on 31st March 2024. The company also excelled in waste management, recycling 64,871 kilograms of waste, including 3,992 kilograms of plastic waste, 2,835 kilograms of paper waste, and 434 kilograms of e-waste. The organization prioritizes waste segregation at the source, enabling efficient recycling of biomedical, plastic, food, metals, paper, and cardboard waste. Aster's Annual ESG Report for FY 23-24 highlighted a reduction of 1,769 KL in water consumption across nine hospitals. Social initiatives under Aster Volunteers have significantly contributed to community health, disaster aid, and social empowerment programs. Aster DM Healthcare, one of the largest integrated healthcare providers in the GCC, has received three prestigious awards from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Arabia CSR Awards for its sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and community initiatives. Recognized with the 'Advanced CSR Label for 2022' by the Dubai Chamber, Aster has excelled in Workplace, Marketplace, Community, and Environment impact areas for four consecutive years. The company integrates 10 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) into its ESG policies through initiatives like Aster Volunteers, impacting communities globally. Aster also signed the Action Declaration on Climate Policy Engagement at COP27 and was the only Middle Eastern and Indian company listed among Corporate Knights' Global 100 sustainable companies for 2022, showcasing its commitment to building sustainable organizations. Looking ahead, Aster DM Healthcare aims to continue its commitment to environmental sustainability by organizing more e-waste collection drives and other green initiatives. The organization's long-term goals include reducing carbon emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy, and promoting sustainable practices across all its operations.
Web Release
28-05-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000
Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, selected from 100,000 applications from 199 countries. An Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, she was recognised with USD 250,000 at a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 to recognize the invaluable role of nurses in healthcare. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE in presence of Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen. During this year's ceremony, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, shared a special message applauding Aster's effort in putting a spotlight on the contributions of nurses worldwide. Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said, 'For over two decades, I've witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand and dedicated myself to closing these gaps through training, outreach, and system-level change. This award will help amplify our impact – scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa.' Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chaiman, Aster DM Healthcare stated, 'Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse – not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker. Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem, setting a gold standard for others to follow. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare added, 'Naomi Ohene Oti's story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.'
