Aster DM Appoints Nalla Karunanithy as CEO of Digital Health & E-commerce

Aster DM Healthcare, recognized as the largest integrated healthcare provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has announced the appointment of Nalla Karunanithy as the Chief Executive Officer of Aster Digital Health & E-Commerce. This strategic move aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to bolster its digital health initiatives and facilitate the expansion of myAster across GCC markets beyond the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Revolutionizing Digital Healthcare

As a leader in the digital healthcare sector in the GCC, myAster has made significant strides in delivering tailored healthcare solutions to its users in the UAE. The platform has witnessed remarkable growth in user engagement and adoption, reflecting the UAE's increasing shift towards digital health. In fiscal year 2024, myAster saw its total downloads exceed 6.2 million, accompanied by a notable rise in monthly active users. This trend highlights a broader movement toward utilizing technology for health management.

Expanding Reach and Impact

myAster has emerged as the leading healthcare super-app in the GCC, positively impacting 4.37 million individuals. Users have access to five Aster hospitals, over 650 doctors, 58 clinics, and 270 pharmacies throughout the UAE. The platform has facilitated 500,000 appointment bookings and more than 650,000 pharmacy orders. Additionally, myAster has improved user experience by significantly reducing the wait time for general physical consultations from 30-45 minutes to just 5-10 minutes.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Through myAster, Aster DM Healthcare is transforming how individuals’ access and engage with medical services. The platform prioritizes patient-centric solutions, enabling users to proactively manage their health while effectively bridging the gap between physical and digital healthcare. The company aims to enhance its digital health ambitions and extend myAster’s reach beyond the UAE into other GCC markets.

Leadership Transition

To advance this vision, Nalla Karunanithy will play a pivotal role in spearheading the next phase of growth. With 15 years of extensive experience in digital and technology leadership, Nalla has successfully executed digital transformations in various sectors, including retail, banking, and real estate in the Middle East. He boasts a proven track record, having introduced innovations such as the region’s first unmanned grocery store and autonomous warehouses. In his new position, Nalla will lead Aster’s digital roadmap, focusing on driving innovation and enhancing 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. Today it is the No.1 healthcare app in UAE which has already touched more than 4 million lives. 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.”

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 personalized 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 personalized across the region. I look forward to utilizing AI-driven insights to tailor patient care and empower them with proactive health management tools in the GCC. "

Enhancing User Experience

In response to the growing demand for improved healthcare management, myAster has introduced new features aimed at enriching the user experience. One of the recent updates is the Health Profile feature, which enables users to monitor crucial health metrics, including blood pressure, body measurements, glucose levels, and risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and hypertension. Additionally, myAster has launched "Lab on App," a feature that consolidates access to prescriptions, lab reports, and radiology reports within a single platform. These developments represent a significant milestone in the app’s commitment to delivering outstanding healthcare solutions and ensuring a comprehensive cycle of care.