214 Underprivileged Children To Benefit From Free Pediatric Heart Surgeries Through Aster Volunteers’ Heart2Heart Cares

• The fifth edition engaged nearly 32,000 participants globally in a month-long campaign from World Heart Day, September 29, to October 28, 2025.

• Aster DM Foundation and associated hospitals pledged free pediatric heart surgeries for atleast 50 underprivileged children, bringing the cumulative total to atleast 214 surgeries over a span of four years.

• Over 2,500 attendees participated in the Mega Walk at Zabeel Park, marking the closing ceremony with cultural performances and vibrant activities.

• Aster Volunteers donated towards the cause, while participants supported it through walking and fitness challenges, with contributions linked to every 10,000 steps or equivalent calories burned, promoting heart health awareness.

DUBAI, UAE—Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, successfully concluded the fifth edition of ‘Heart2Heart Cares 2025’, a program spanning the GCC and India, promoting heart health and providing life-saving support to underprivileged children in need of pediatric heart surgery.

The event, held on November 2, 2025, at Zabeel Park, Gate #5, was graced by Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare; Mrs. Naseera Azad, Board Member, Aster DM Healthcare; and Mr. 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 Mr. T.J. Wilson, Executive Director and Group Head – Governance & Corporate Affairs, Aster DM Healthcare, and Mr. Samsudheen Bin Mohiyudeen, Non-Executive Director of Aster DM Healthcare – India, symbolizing 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."

Through the ‘Heart2Heart Cares 2025’ initiative, Aster Volunteers is empowering communities to improve their fitness while supporting those in need. The campaign commenced on World Heart Day, September 29, 2025, and ran for a month until October 28, 2025, encouraging individuals to register online at heart2hear.astervolunteers.com and commit to the walk. The campaign witnessed remarkable engagement, predominantly from India and the GCC regions. Over the course of the month, volunteers committed to walking 10,000 steps daily or performing equivalent fitness activities, demonstrating their dedication to personal health and to welfare of underprivileged children facilitated by Aster Volunteers through the Aster DM Foundation.

The closing event at Zabeel Park was a vibrant and joyous occasion, featuring cultural performances, entertainment activities, and interactive experiences that highlighted the importance of healthy living. Participants who completed the highest number of steps during the one-month campaign as well as on the day of the finale, were recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions, celebrating the spirit of collective effort and compassion.

Through this initiative, Aster DM Foundation and its associated hospitals will continue to provide free pediatric cardiac surgeries for atleast 50 children, furthering the organization’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible to all.

About Aster Volunteers, the global CSR programme of Aster DM Healthcare: -

Launched in 2017 with the blessings of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Aster Volunteers serves as the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare. This initiative embodies the spirit of giving back to society and has touched the lives of over 7 million people through various programs with more than 95,000 registered volunteers. Key activities include disaster relief efforts, mobile medical services, free or subsidized surgeries for the needy, medical camps, blood donation drives, and health awareness campaigns and environmental protection initiatives etc. Aster Volunteers focuses on sustainable and impactful solutions, particularly in women’s empowerment, education, and social upliftment.

About Aster DM Healthcare FZC in GCC

Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across 5 countries in the GCC and Jordan. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of “We will treat you well”. The organisation’s robust integrated healthcare model includes 15 hospitals, 124 clinics, and 333 pharmacies in GCC serving all segments of the society through three differentiated brands: Aster, Medcare and Access. Aster consistently adapts to meet the evolving needs of patients, ensuring access to quality healthcare through both physical and digital channels which is exemplified with the launch of the region's first healthcare super app, myAster.

(This article is an Aster media release)