As part of a Year of Giving initiative to mark the 30th anniversary of Aster DM Healthcare, the group launched a volunteers programme.

The Aster@30 volunteers programme aims at bridging the gap between people who would like to help and those in need, according to Dr Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare.

The programme will connect people across nine countries where the group works through the web portal www.astervolunteers.com. Top officials from the health ministry and diplomats signed up to be part of the programme at the launch.

"We want individuals to make a difference in society and extend a helping hand to the less fortunate," said Dr Moopen.

Aster also announced the signing of an agreement with Awqaf and Minor Affairs Foundation (Amaf) to offer humanitarian aid to those affected by drought and famine in Somalia. Aster has donated 156,217 packets of halal meals worth Dh1.5 million raised through the contribution of Aster employees across the network.

The Salma Humanitarian Relief Programme by the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and managed by Amaf will ensure the distribution of meals.

Source: Khaleej Times