As the Chief Executive Officer, of Aster Hospitals & Clinics – KSA, Mohamed Alshamari, ensures that these values are deeply embedded in every aspect of Aster DM Healthcare’s operations, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and support.
Modest Beginnings
Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare began as Al Raffah Polyclinic in a modest two-bedroom apartment, driven by a mission to provide high-quality healthcare to all, irrespective of background or economic status. Over the past 37 years, this humble beginning has evolved into a global network of healthcare facilities, encompassing hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, labs, and patient experience centers across seven countries. Serving 20 million people annually, Aster DM Healthcare has built a strong reputation for trust and excellence. Spearheaded by Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster is all set to expand its presence in GCC.
Alisha Moopen, the Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and expansion. Her strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in driving the success. Alisha is now focused on replicating Aster’s successful model in Saudi Arabia, leveraging her expertise to adapt and scale Aster’s proven strategies to meet the unique needs of the region. This initiative aligns with the group’s broader goal of setting new standards in healthcare delivery and expanding its impact globally.
In 2023, Aster restructured its operations into distinct regional entities for GCC and India, enhancing its strategic and financial flexibility to meet growing market demands. In the GCC, Aster has established a robust presence with 16 hospitals, 121 clinics, and 306 pharmacies spread across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan. Its network now includes 896 operating facilities, supported by a diverse workforce committed to its promise of “We’ll Treat You Well.”
Aster DM Healthcare operates under three sub-brands: Medcare for high-income patients, Aster for middle-income individuals, and Access for low-income communities. Additionally, its myAster app launched two years ago, has become the region’s leading healthcare app, offering an integrated platform for hospital and clinic services, pharmacy, telehealth, e-commerce, and lab reports.
“As we continue to grow, we aim to double our impact and set new gold standards in healthcare,” says Mohamed Alshamari.
The Passionate Leader
From a young age, Mohamed Alshamari has been passionate about healthcare and the impact it can have on people’s lives. This passion was further ignited when he joined the pioneering program at Saudi ARAMCO for critical care emergencies as a healthcare practitioner, providing direct patient care in extreme situations right after his graduation from the USA. After his experience at ARAMCO, he joined the private healthcare sector where he was exposed to establishing new facilities and starting up departments which equipped him to climb the ladder into different management roles within the organization.
Mohamed Alshamari started to realize that he was enjoying being a leader and delivering results in various projects that he was in charge of. This led him to pursue various academic and professional certificates in healthcare and insurance management in Australia, and the UK. The exposure he had working in different healthcare systems led him to take various roles within the government and semi-government entities as a start-up, operational, and business enhancement leader.
“My career aspirations are centered around constant growth and skill enhancement. I am committed to staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. I have been fortunate enough to witness the positive impact my work has had on people, systems, organizations, and cities throughout my career journey. From helping to develop innovative solutions that enable companies to scale their operations to designing digital experiences that make life easier for citizens in my city, I have seen how the work I do can make a difference,” says Mohamed Alshamari.
His accomplishments have also enabled him to grow professionally and personally by giving him the opportunity to learn new skills and gain valuable insights into the world around him. As a result of his work, Mohamed Alshamari has been able to positively impact the people and organizations that he works with. It has also given him the opportunity to travel extensively, make new friends across the world, experience other cultures and lifestyles, and learn from some of the best in their fields. “I am grateful for these experiences. Additionally, they have helped me grow professionally by giving me insights into what business opportunities exist for the private and government sectors,” he says.
Delivering more than Health Services
At the core of Aster DM Healthcare’s approach is a patient-centric philosophy, with its brand promise “We will treat you well”. For them, healthcare is more than a business – it is a mission to create a lasting impact on people’s lives. Today, Aster is synonymous with ‘trust’ because its core DNA is built on providing the best quality of care to its patients, combining clinical excellence with service excellence.
To enable this, Aster has established an integrated healthcare system that offers the complete circle of care to people through its world-class network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, providing primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care to all segments of the population.
“We deeply believe that healthcare is a service to society, with profit being the byproduct. This belief forms the foundation of Aster’s guiding principle and philosophy, fueling its growth and social welfare activities. Every aspect of our care, from diagnosis to treatment and recovery, is designed to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient,” shares Mohamed Alshamari.
Leading Aster DM Healthcare
With a population of 32 million+ in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the Kingdom, Mohamed Alshamari sees a massive opportunity to expand the healthcare service in the region. In alignment with the Government’s Vision 2030, Aster DM Healthcare is well-positioned to fulfill the Kingdom’s growing needs with its 37 years of expertise synergizing clinical excellence, service excellence, and technological innovation.
In the era of consumerization of healthcare, he sees another opportunity to build a robust, patient-centric healthcare delivery system that enables patients to manage their health at every touch point – beginning at a preventive stage. With Saudi Arabia’s high telehealth adoption rate of approximately 70% and nearly 34% of young physicians utilizing AI for diagnostics, there is a clear demand for expanding Aster’s digital health platforms and integrated service networks in the region.
However, he also foresees challenges. Non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, are prevalent in Saudi Arabia, accounting for 68% of deaths. The increasing emphasis on preventive care and the expected rise in primary healthcare visits offer opportunities to grow Aster’s network of clinics. Yet, the largest challenge is the global shortage of healthcare professionals.
“Research indicates that Saudi Arabia requires an additional 69,000 doctors, 64,000 nurses, and 42,000 allied health professionals. Additionally, the growth in digital health and technological advancements introduces new concerns around data privacy and cybersecurity. Addressing these challenges while seizing opportunities will be key to our continued success and growth in the region,” says Mohamed Alshamari.
Building a Legacy
Aster DM Healthcare’s success is built on a patient-centric approach, innovation, and a dedicated team of professionals. The Founder Chairman, Dr Azad Moopen envisions a future where healthcare is universally accessible and delivered with the highest quality standards. Under his leadership, Aster’s success is anchored in a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, which ranges from primary to quaternary care. This vision is being led by the Managing Director, Alisha Moopen, supported by a team of experienced medical experts and top management, many of whom are practicing doctors themselves. This depth of expertise ensures operational excellence and the delivery of high-quality healthcare services.
Aster’s multi-geographic presence enables it to diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its market position. It operates under three distinct brands—Medcare, Aster, and Access—tailored to different income segments, allowing it to address a broad spectrum of healthcare needs effectively. Additionally, its asset-light model, which balances leased and owned assets, enhances operational efficiency.
“A significant innovation in our strategy is the myAster app, which offers an integrated omnichannel experience. This digital platform combines hospital and clinic services, pharmacy, telehealth, e-commerce, and lab reports, reinforcing our commitment to value-based healthcare and patient convenience,” shares Mohamed Alshamari.
Quality Services at Affordable Costs
Since the beginning, Dr. Moopen had a vision to make quality healthcare services accessible to everyone. Aster DM Healthcare believes that quality healthcare shouldn’t be dependent on how much money a patient can afford to pay for their healthcare – it doesn’t come at the cost of a human life. Irrespective of someone’s economic status, Aster’s goal is to ensure it delivers best-in-class medical services to create positive health outcomes for its patients. Aster is not simply a profit-driven business, profit is simply the byproduct of its vision to serve the communities and create a healthier future for the world.
To ensure that affordability and quality are both maintained in each interaction with a patient, Mohamed Alshamari shares that they have onboarded a team of excellent doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who resonate with Aster’s mission and want to create a meaningful impact in the world. Their leadership across verticals at Aster are the best in their respective fields, with deep knowledge and experience in building and running businesses efficiently. They have also invested in state-of-the-art technology which helps them deliver care, streamline processes, gain operational efficiency, and reduce costs.
The Three Pillars of Service
Aster DM Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of services under three main sub-brands: Medcare, Aster, and Access.
Medcare is known for its premium healthcare facilities, providing specialized medical care in state-of-the-art environments. It includes multi-specialty hospitals, women and children’s hospitals, and orthopedic and spine hospitals, primarily located in the UAE. Medcare focuses on delivering high-quality medical services with advanced technology and a patient-centric approach, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care in a comfortable setting.
Aster Hospitals and Clinics operates with a mission to make a difference in the healthcare sector through its patient-centric approach. These hospitals are equipped with modern medical facilities and offer a wide range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized treatments. Aster Hospitals are strategically located to serve diverse communities, ensuring accessibility and convenience for patients. The hospitals are staffed with experienced medical professionals who are dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care.
Access Clinics aims to provide affordable and quality healthcare services to meet the day-to-day healthcare needs of the community. These clinics are designed to offer a wide range of outpatient services, including general consultations, diagnostics, and minor procedures. Access Clinics are spread across various locations, making healthcare accessible to a larger population. The Access Clinics, in particular, focus on delivering cost-effective healthcare solutions without compromising on quality, ensuring that everyone, irrespective on their economic background, can avail essential medical services.
Simplifying Healthcare Services with Technology
As a healthcare provider, Mohamed Alshamari believes that Aster DM Healthcare must adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of medical needs. As such, Aster is leveraging cutting-edge medical technologies and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatments that meet global standards. The organization has state-of-the-art equipment to aid complex treatments and deliver excellent care to each one of its patients. The use of technology not only enhances the precision of medical procedures but also contributes to patient safety.
In line with Aster’s commitment to delivering quality, accessible healthcare, it launched the myAster app to provide a seamless, personalized experience through a single, integrated platform. The digital health platform is a notable example of a technological innovation Aster has developed to provide a personalized and seamless healthcare experience to patients, along with improving the healthcare system’s readiness to manage health risks. The myAster omnichannel digital app was introduced in UAE two years ago as a first-of-its-kind in the region and has quickly emerged as the country’s go-to healthcare app. myAster consolidates doctor appointments, video consultations, and pharmacy services into one app, streamlining the entire patient journey and eliminating the need for multiple apps or digital platforms. Since its launch the app has experienced a substantial surge in user growth and engagement, reaching over 8.6 million+ downloads in total. The platform’s reach and impact have also been growing significantly, with 4.37 million lives touched since its launch.
In addition to patient-facing technologies, Aster also leverages technological solutions to boost internal efficiency and address operational challenges. Investing in technology solutions such as HIS and electronic health records (EHRs) has helped them standardize processes and procedures, improve communication, and increase operational efficiency.
“We also collaborate with global leaders like Siemens Healthineers, Qure.AI, and LTTS to drive innovation and technological advancement. These strategic partnerships enable us to constantly adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape, continuously improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall healthcare experience,” adds Mohamed Alshamari.
Continuous Improvement for Quality Care and Patient Satisfaction
At Aster DM Healthcare, Mohamed Alshamari and his team believe that quality is the result of every activity and process within the organization. They adhere to the principles of Total Quality Management, which emphasizes planned and continuous improvement across all functions. This approach focuses on enhancing systems and processes rather than individual performance, with the goal of involving all functions and employees in the improvement process.
This starts with ensuring that the team of healthcare professionals at Aster is always eager and motivated. Mohamed Alshamari believes it is crucial to create a shared vision and purpose that can inspire his team to feel more connected, committed, and passionate about their work. Then, giving them the freedom and flexibility to make decisions, manage their time, and choose their work methods with proper authority and resources to act on their decisions, is key to their success. Fostering a culture of collaboration and communication also enhances the team’s trust, and productivity ultimately impacting the services being given out to the patients.
To ensure it delivers high-quality care, Aster follows evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and prioritizes patient safety and advanced medical care. It measures quality through clinical outcome metrics, process adherence, patient satisfaction, and quality rankings.
To measure the quality of care and patient satisfaction, Aster DM has been utilizing Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) to gauge patient perceptions of their care experience. For example, their perioperative PREM, which assesses patient feedback on anesthesia explanations, pre-surgery requirements, and follow-up advice, consistently scores 100% across GCC hospitals. Similarly, their Medcare Women & Children Hospital uses a PREM tool for International Patient Safety Goals, achieving a score of 99.56% from 895 responses. This tool evaluates aspects such as correct patient identification, medication education, and hand hygiene practices.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are another critical tool Aster uses to understand patients’ perspectives on the outcomes of their interventions. PROMs assess symptoms, functional status, and quality of life, providing valuable feedback that can drive improvements in care delivery. They apply international PROMs questionnaires to evaluate satisfaction and outcomes for procedures such as knee and hip joint replacements, natural deliveries, and acute coronary syndrome interventions.
Additionally, they use the Net Promoter Score (NPS) to measure patient satisfaction and gauge patient loyalty. NPS provides insights into how well Aster is meeting patient expectations and helps the team continuously enhance the patient experience.
Staying in tune with Trends
The GCC healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, shifting from a focus on cure to a more preventive approach. This change has been accelerated by the pandemic, which has heightened awareness around health and well-being and increased the demand for patient-centric, preventive care.
Over the next five years, Mohamed Alshamari & Aster DM Healthcare anticipate several key trends shaping the healthcare landscape, with technological integration and innovation at the forefront. They are already adopting early diagnostic tools and advanced predictive models for better health assessment and management. The integration of big data, blockchain, AI, and other smart technologies will further enhance preventive care.
AI and quantum computing are particularly promising, feels Mohamed Alshamari. AI will enable providers to make faster, more accurate, and less invasive diagnoses with minimal patient information. Quantum computing, on the other hand, will revolutionize healthcare by processing vast amounts of data more efficiently than traditional computers. This advancement will accelerate drug discovery, optimize hospital logistics, enable virtual clinical trials, and improve genetic sequencing. In the future, quantum computing could support clinical decision-making by analyzing extensive historical data to guide patient care.
The use of mobile health apps and IoT devices is already underway, but they expect smarter integration of these technologies for continuous monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment. This will allow for real-time health monitoring and remote access to health records, enabling providers to predict health risks and evaluate treatment outcomes more effectively.
Aster is proactively preparing for these trends by investing heavily in technological advancements. This includes upgrading its equipment, advancing research and development, and enhancing its digital health platform. For example, at Medcare, they recently treated a young patient from Turkey with a rare genetic disorder using gene therapy. Post-treatment, they continued to monitor his progress through their telemedicine platform, teleMEDCARE, demonstrating their commitment to integrating technology into patient care. Precision medicine has the potential to transform healthcare for good, and Aster is proud to be the pioneer of this treatment in the Middle East.
The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies, regulations, policies, and best practices emerging every day. As a healthcare executive, Mohamed Alshamari needs to ensure that he along with his team stays up to date with the latest healthcare trends to deliver high-quality, safe, and efficient care to their patients and stakeholders. This is particularly important in Saudi Arabia where a significant healthcare transformation is in process.
“At Aster Hospitals & Clinics, we prioritize staying up to date with the latest healthcare trends by setting clear goals and expectations from the outset. This is supported by continuous training provided by Aster Academy, local regulators, and other institutions. By fostering a culture of innovation, actively seeking external sources networks, and regularly reviewing and updating our practices – we ensure that we remain at the forefront of healthcare excellence and adapt to the dynamic healthcare landscape,” he says.
Surmounting Challenges
Growth and opportunities aside, the healthcare sector in the region is facing significant challenges, including increased demand for healthcare infrastructure and a shortage of healthcare professionals. In Saudi Arabia alone, there is a pressing need to recruit an additional 175,000 medical professionals by 2030 to meet the demands of its growing population. This shortage is compounded by socioeconomic factors and shifting demographics, such as population growth, an aging population, and a rise in lifestyle-related chronic diseases like non-communicable diseases. These issues place considerable strain on the healthcare sector’s resources and its ability to provide sustainable, efficient, and effective care.
To address these challenges, Aster is taking several proactive steps. They have enhanced their training programs to build a robust pipeline of healthcare professionals and are focusing on attracting and retaining talent through competitive compensation packages and career development opportunities. They are also collaborating with educational institutions and engaging in international exchange programs to bridge the skills gap and foster knowledge-sharing.
In addition, they launched the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Awards two years ago to recognize and reward nurses worldwide for their dedication, while inspiring the next generation to enter the profession. In India, they are investing in medical colleges to help address the critical need for more medical professionals.
“Moreover, the integration of Artificial Intelligence and other advanced technologies will support medical professionals by assisting with clinical decisions, disease prevention, treatment, and monitoring. These technologies are crucial for alleviating some of the pressures on the healthcare system and improving overall care delivery,” suggests Alshamari.
Envisioning a Healthy Future
The future of healthcare, per Mohamed Alshamari, is set to undergo a significant transformation, shifting from a focus on treatment to a more preventive approach. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated this change by heightening personal health awareness and emphasizing overall well-being. To facilitate this transition, adopting a value-based, integrated delivery model will be essential, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes and reduce costs.
Advancements in technology will play a pivotal role in this evolution. Automation, AI, cloud computing, and innovations like telehealth and robotic surgeries will streamline processes and improve professionalism. These technological advancements will also promote global collaborations and spur investments in research and development. Emerging technologies, including wearable devices, virtual health monitoring, and the health metaverse, will push the industry towards more personalized and accessible healthcare.
With a rising increase in GCC’s aging population, there is a growing demand for healthcare delivery models that address long-term and post-acute care for the geriatric population. This population will require more geriatric care, rehabilitation, and home care services – as a result, the need for complex healthcare services will increase with the demand for specialized healthcare providers becoming more prominent.
The healthcare system in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges, including an aging population, rising chronic disease rates, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. The government is addressing these issues by expanding healthcare infrastructure, promoting technological advancements, enhancing the quality of healthcare services, and emphasizing preventive care.
Aster is committed to supporting these efforts by focusing on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a key area for expanding its accessible and affordable healthcare services. With over a decade of experience in the Kingdom, Aster has a deep understanding of the local healthcare needs and the communities it serves. Its primary goal is to replicate the successful model of Aster DM Healthcare in Saudi Arabia by becoming an integrated provider that offers comprehensive care throughout the patient journey.
“To achieve this, we plan to significantly expand our network of hospitals in the Kingdom, increasing both the number of facilities and bed capacity. Additionally, we aim to establish a robust primary care network by launching new clinics, enhancing access to quality healthcare in line with the Government’s Vision 2030. We also intend to grow the number of Aster Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia to 180 over the next 2-3 years, supported by our partnership with the Al Hokair Group. With these steps, we are positioning ourselves to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Kingdom and contribute to the broader healthcare vision of Saudi Arabia,” concludes Mohamed Alshamari.
A Quote to Live By:
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – This saying implies that valuable goals or destinations do not have shortcuts. It keeps reminding me of the idea that hard work and a long journey are essential parts of achieving something worthwhile.