Aster offers free paediatric heart surgeries

Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, successfully concluded the fifth edition of “Heart2Heart Cares 2025,” a programme spanning the GCC and India, promoting heart health and providing life-saving support to underprivileged children in need of paediatric heart surgery.

The event, held on Nov.2, 2025, at Zabeel Park, Gate #5, was graced by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare; Naseera Azad, Board Member, Aster DM Healthcare; and Jim Jimeno - Vice Consul at Philippine Consulate General in Dubai, who unveiled Aster Volunteers’ commitment to support an additional 50 pediatric cardiac surgeries, bringing the cumulative total to atleast 214 surgeries over four years.

The Mega Walk was flagged off by TJ Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head – Governance & Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, and Samsudheen Bin Mohiyudeen, Non-Executive Director of Aster DM Healthcare – India, symbolising the spirit of collective fitness and compassion.

The event attracted over 2,500 attendees, featuring vibrant cultural performances and the participation of senior leadership from Aster DM Healthcare.

This year’s campaign saw an overwhelming nearly 32,000 global volunteer registrations, with participants engaging in walking and fitness activities to promote heart health for children.

Registrants committed to activities such as walking 10,000 steps daily or burning an equivalent number of calories, protecting their heart health, raising awareness and support for the cause.

Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths annually, about 31% of all deaths. Congenital heart disease (CHD), which affects 1 in 100 newborns, is the most common birth defect worldwide.

For children born in countries with access to quality pediatric heart care, survival and a healthy life are possible.

Sadly, for 90% of children born with CHD, treatment is either unavailable or unaffordable in their home countries.

Through Heart2Heart Cares 2025, we are proud to extend our support to atleast 50 more children, in addition to the 164 free surgeries conducted over the past three years, continuing our mission to save young lives and give them a chance to thrive.”