The Dubai-based Aster DM Healthcare has launched its seventh tertiary care hospital in India, in the country’s software hub of Bengaluru.
The group was taking over an existing quaternary care super-specialty healthcare facility, upgrading and bringing it under its global brand spread across the Gulf countries and the Philippines.
Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, its brand ambassador, formally opened the rebranded Aster CMI Hospital at Hebbal in the presence of Dr Azad Moopen, who heads the group, and several dignitaries.
“Representing the values that we hold dear as we move forward with a global vision with a commitment to build a healthier tomorrow and to take healthcare to the next level of excellence, the Aster CMI Hospital sets new yardsticks,” the physician-turned-healthcare tycoon said.
Federal minister DV Sadananda Gowda and Karnataka ministers Krishna Byre Gowda, and UT Khader were also present.
“India is a key market for Aster, and the Aster CMI Hospital is a testament to our mission of bringing world-class medical care to India,” Dr Moopen said.
“With an investment outlay of around Rs2.3bn, Aster CMI aims at providing medical care to global best practices in healthcare.
The hospital, designed to make the patients feel better to heal better, imbibes our core philosophy We’ll Treat You Well, carrying forward our legacy of excellence with professionalism and dedication.”
He also announced an ambitious social responsibility initiative in association with Tendulkar offering oncology and paediatric cardiac surgeries for deserving patients in Aster CMI along with Aster Medcity-Kochi and Aster MIMS — Calicut.
“An outlay of Rs20mn has been earmarked for this as part of this CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiative for the next four years,” he said.
The inaugural ceremony began with a traditional welcome to the dignitaries and guests.
Following an emotional rendition of the Nada Geetha, the lamp lighting ceremony marked an auspicious beginning of the new endeavour.
It was followed by the unveiling of the plaque by Tendulkar to inaugurate the hospital.
Tendulkar congratulated Dr Moopen and the Aster DM Healthcare family on the opening of another super speciality healthcare facility in India.
“My relationship with healthcare runs very long thanks to the multiple injuries throughout my career,” he told an enthusiastic audience.
“In fact, I would not have been able to serve Indian cricket and chase my dreams but for the support and care of many medical professionals and physiotherapists.
“I also have a medical professional at home which has been my best partnership.
“Medical issues are not restricted to sportspersons, and I can tell you from experience that it is the quality of care which heals.
“That is where Dr Moopen and his team have made a special and consistent effort trying to live their philosophy. We’ll treat you well.
“Physical fitness and well-being are the keys, and we must take a pledge towards a ‘Swasth Bharat’ (Healthy India).”
Aster DM Healthcare took over the operation and management of Cauvery Medical Center two years back with a commitment to revamp and upgrade the hospital.
From a 73 bedded facility, it has now 509 beds.
“From a primary hospital, Aster CMI has now transformed into a quaternary care super-speciality hospital with dedicated centres of excellence in cardiac, neuro and gastro sciences, surgery and allied specialities, nephro and uro sciences, and orthopaedics,” Dr Moopen added.
It also has well-designed outpatient departments offering preventive, diagnostic,  curative and rehabilitative services.
The comprehensive services include immunisation, health screening, lab and radiology services and minor surgical procedures.
“Overseeing the transformation from Cauvery Medical Center to Aster CMI has been a challenging and rewarding experience,” said its CEO Dr Nitish Shetty.
“Today we are proud to present this advanced healthcare facility to the citizens of Bengaluru. With highly skilled, humane professionals with proven expertise in their areas of specialisation, we are confident that Aster CMI Hospital will be the first choice for the citizens of Bengaluru for any healthcare related issues.”