Dr. Azad Moopen

Dr. Azad Moopen, the visionary Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, always believes that healthcare is more than a business, primarily a service dedicated to saving lives and restoring wellness. The journey, which Dr. Azad Moopen started with this strong conviction, has touched and made significant positive changes in the lives of millions.

Born on 28th June, 1953, son of late MA Moopen, a noble soul, freedom fighter and social leader, Dr. Azad Moopen is a Gold Medalist in MBBS and a Post Graduate in General Medicine from Calicut Government Medical College in Kerala, and a Diploma holder in Chest Diseases from Delhi University, India. He started his career as a Medical Lecturer but a chance visit to Dubai opened to him the immense possibilities of the untapped healthcare sector in the Gulf and he took a life-changing decision of relocating to Dubai.

Dr. Azad Moopen’s journey in developing the healthcare sector of the region has been phenomenal. From a single doctor clinic in Dubai in 1987, over 36 years, Aster DM Healthcare has grown into a global healthcare conglomerate of more than 916 facilities spread across seven countries.

Guided by his mission to provide quality healthcare at affordable costs at the doorsteps of people, Dr. Moopen’s efforts have played a significant role in shaping the healthcare delivery model of the region. Today, Aster DM Healthcare is an integrated healthcare service organization that provides the complete circle of care to people through its world-class network of hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, providing primary to quaternary care to all segments of the population. The company is one of the largest integrated healthcare service providers in GCC and India.

Dr. Azad Moopen revolutionized the healthcare service in the region by creating a healthcare model and facilities which are accessible to different income groups and masses without compromising the service aspect of the noble medical profession. Along with providing medical care to millions of people across geographies, Aster DM healthcare now provides direct employment to 31,222 people which includes 3,998 doctors and 9,204 nurses, and the numbers are still growing.

A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Azad Moopen, has embarked on numerous social initiatives through Aster DM Foundation and Dr. Moopen Family Foundation. He strongly believes that profit is a by-product and not our purpose in healthcare, and his initiatives in the fields of healthcare, education, women and social empowerment are providing hope to millions across geographies. He has earmarked 20% of his personal wealth for philanthropic activities enabling social change and helping people in need.

A stern believer in values, Dr. Moopen balances his work and family life where he has been ably supported by his loving wife Naseera and three daughters, their families and grandchildren.

Awards and Recognitions:

• Recipient of the “Padma Shri” Award, the 4th highest civilian award by the Government of India for being recognized across countries for his contributions in 2011
• Honored with the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Samman’ by the Government of India in 2010
• Awarded with a fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), UK in 2019, for his significant contribution to the medical and healthcare profession.
• Honored with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at 10th edition of The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) Healthcare Excellence Awards in 2018
• Honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the Gulf Indian Leadership Summit in 2018
• Honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the 9th Entrepreneur India Awards in 2019
• Received the ‘Visionary CEO of the Year Award’ in recognition of his contribution at the CEO Middle East Awards by Arabian Business in 2019
• Presented with ‘Appreciation award’ on Pravasiya Bhartiya Divas at the Indian Consulate for his contributions, in 2020.
• Recognized as one of the ‘100 Most Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East’ by Arabian Business Magazine in 2018
• Listed #6 in the ‘Top 100 Indian Business Leaders in UAE’ by Forbes in 2017
• Awarded the ‘Healthcare CEO of the Year’ at the CEO Middle East Awards in 2015
• Recipient of the ‘Arab Health Award’ from the Arab Health Forum in 2010
• Arabian Business Achievement Award from the ITP Publishing Group in 2010
• Conferred the Best Doctor Award by the Government of Kerala in 2009
• Appointed to the Advisory Council of Dubai International Chamber by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2021
• Awarded by Harvard Business Council in 2021 for Organizational Excellence during one of the toughest years in recent history – Covid-19 pandemic
• Honored with a Doctorate for Philanthropy by Amity University in 2022

Other positions held:

• Director, NORKA Roots
• Governing Board Member, Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai
• Chairman, Social Advancement Foundation of India (SAFI)
• Founder President, All Kerala Medical Graduates Association (AKMG) UAE
• Member, Executive Advisory Board, Abu Dhabi University