GCC integrated healthcare provider Aster DM Healthcare has appointed Nalla Karunanithy as the CEO of the Aster Digital Health and E-Commerce business.
With 15 years of experience in digital and technology leadership, Karunanithy has driven digital transformations across retail, banking, and real estate in the Middle East. He has a proven track record, having launched innovations such as the region’s first unmanned grocery store and autonomous warehouses.
In his new role, Karunanithy will spearhead Aster’s digital roadmap, driving innovation and expanding the group’s digital capabilities.
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare said, “Digital transformation is the way forward for healthcare in the Middle East and this is proven by the remarkable growth that we’ve witnessed with myAster. By harnessing the power of data and digital innovation, we are transforming the healthcare landscape, setting new standards for convenience, quality, and care in the industry. We strongly believe that Nalla’s expertise and leadership will be crucial in elevating our digital health arm to the next level as we move forward with our growth plans in the region.”
Want to stay updated on the latest within Saudi Arabia’s sports, entertainment, tourism, and digital marketing spheres? Would you like to network with top brands and government leaders within the industry?
Book your seat for the Campaign Saudi Briefing 2024: Media and Marketing to be held on the 17th of October at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers.
Aster digital health’s growth in active users, engagement
The company stated that the appointment is in alignment with its efforts to further strengthen its ambition in digital health and power myAster’s expansion in GCC markets beyond UAE.
myAster has been delivering personalised healthcare solutions for its customers in UAE, and in the process experienced a surge in user growth and engagement, reflecting UAE’s increasing adoption of digital health solutions. myAster’s reach and impact have also expanded significantly, touching 4.37 million lives.
The platform observed a significant growth in downloads in FY24, reaching over 6.2 million users in total. It has also reported a surge in monthly active users – underscoring a significant shift towards digital healthcare as more individuals turn to technology for managing their health.
With access to 5 Aster hospitals, more than 650 doctors, 58 clinics and 270 pharmacies in the UAE, appointment bookings on myAster rose to 500,000, and pharmacy orders rose to more than 650,000. The platform has also enhanced user convenience by reducing access time to a General Physical from 30-45 minutes to just 5-10 minutes.
Expanding myAster to other GCC markets
The company aims to further strengthen its ambition in digital health and expand myAster beyond UAE to other markets in the GCC. To take this vision forward, Karunanithy has been tasked with the role to be the key driver leading the next phase of growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Nalla Karunanithy – CEO, Digital Health & eCommerce, Aster DM Healthcare GCC, said, “I am thrilled to join Aster DM Healthcare at such a pivotal time for digital transformation in healthcare. In a relatively short period, myAster has made remarkable strides, successfully delivering superior personalised healthcare solutions for its customers in the UAE.”
“Going forward, my focus will be on driving further innovation through the integration of AI and data analytics, to create seamless, and patient-centric digital experiences that align with our vision of making healthcare more accessible, predictive and personalised across the region. I look forward to utilising AI driven insights to tailor patient care and empower them with proactive health management tools in the GCC. ”
To meet the rising demand, myAster has also introduced new features designed to enhance user experience and streamline healthcare management. Among the latest updates is the Health Profile feature, which allows users to track key health parameters including blood pressure, body measurements, glucose levels, and risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension.
Additionally, myAster has launched Lab on App, a new feature which consolidates access to prescriptions, lab reports, and radiology reports in a single place.
