Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Sajjad Ahmad, Staff Reporter

A Dubai-based healthcare provider has come up with a novel idea  of contributing its own bit in helping the society overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

At times when firms are resorting to downsizing and a massive cost cutting, Aster DM Healthcare has announced a new policy that very few companies can even imagine of in this time  of huge financial crunch.

Aster DM Healthcare has decided to provide financial support for the next 10 years to the families of their employees who lose their lives in the fight against COVID-19.

DM Healthcare has been at the forefront of managing the Covid- 19 pandemic and this new initiative will definitely go a long way in boosting the morale of its staff.

The new policy will support the families of Aster employees who lost their lives due to COVID-19 or those who may succumb to the disease in the future.

Their  dependents  will continue to receive the monthly basic salary of the deceased employee for the next 10 years.

This will be applicable to all Aster DM Healthcare employees in India and GCC.

While announcing the policy Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare said, “our dedicated staff have been the Real Heroes in this battle against COVID-19, who put the needs of the patients ahead of their own lives. While most of the infected staff are back to work to continue the battle, although exhausted, few of them have succumbed to the sinister monster.

“They have unfortunately left behind young families with wives, children and ageing parents. While praying for their departed souls, we thought that we should provide the families some support as many of those who died were the sole bread winners for their families.”

Dr Moopen added, “These Asterians are irreplaceable and they will always remain close to our hearts. We would always remain grateful for their contribution to Aster and the society and this is the least we can do to support their families who have been dealt with the hardest blow of their lives. We truly hope that this provides them with some support and solace in these difficult times,”

Aster DM Healthcare has served 28,000 COVID-19 positive patients till date and screened over 1,662,726 people across 7 countries in the Middle East and India.

With 27 hospitals, 115 clinics, 225 pharmacies managed by 21,000 employees, Aster DM Healthcare is one of the leading integrated healthcare provider networks in the GCC and an emerging player in India.