OMAN — Aster DM Healthcare, a prominent healthcare provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India, has unveiled the Aster Royal Al Raffah Multispecialty Hospital in Al Ghubra, Muscat.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by His Highness Sayyid Fahar Bin Fatik Al Said, along with the presence of Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, and Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director.
This event signifies a remarkable achievement in making top-tier healthcare services more accessible to the people of Oman.
Spanning an impressive 25,750 square meters, this 175-bed multispecialty tertiary care facility is designed to cater to Oman’s population of 5 million.
The hospital boasts state-of-the-art technology and offers an array of specialized centers, including advanced cardiac care, interventional radiology, urology, neurosciences, sports medicine, orthopedics, gastroenterology, minimally invasive surgeries, and a center dedicated to women’s and child health.
Beyond advanced medical services, the hospital integrates digital innovations such as electronic hospital management systems, electronic medical records, and a secure patient portal to enhance patient care and streamline medical processes.
Its strategic location, a mere 14-minute drive from the international airport, ensures convenient access for both local and international patients.
During the inauguration, Dr. Azad Moopen emphasized their commitment to making world-class healthcare services available in Oman, with the goal of reducing the necessity for patients to seek advanced medical care overseas.
Ms. Alisha Moopen reiterated their dedication to providing quality healthcare that is easily within reach for the people of Oman.
Aster DM Healthcare stands as one of the leading private healthcare service providers in the GCC and India, maintaining a strong presence across various healthcare segments, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care.
Their extensive network comprises 33 hospitals, 127 clinics, 527 pharmacies, and 229 labs and patient experience centers across seven countries, all supported by over 31,000 dedicated staff, including doctors and nurses, who work tirelessly to provide top-notch healthcare services across diverse economic segments.
Aster DM Healthcare has also announced that its subsidiary, Aster DM Healthcare (Trivandrum), has entered into a lease agreement for the expansion of Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru.
In a parallel development, private equity firms BPEA EQT and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTTP) Board have expressed interest in acquiring assets from Aster DM Healthcare Ltd., including its India business.
This potential deal could open up opportunities for tapping into the growing healthcare services sector in India.
Additional prospective bidders for Aster’s India business reportedly include Blackstone Inc. and KKR & Co., with the possibility of collaborations and other transaction scenarios.
In a separate bid, Dubai-based private equity firm Fajr Capital is part of a consortium aiming to acquire a majority stake in Aster’s Gulf business.
A comprehensive deal for the entirety of Aster could be valued at over US$2.5 billion, with Gulf assets estimated at around US$1 billion and the Indian business potentially worth US$1.5 billion.
Aster shares have experienced substantial growth this year, with Blackstone considering an acquisition of Aster’s India business via Quality Care India Ltd.
Despite ongoing discussions, the final decision to pursue a deal remains to be determined, with the possibility of new bidders emerging in the process.
Representatives for Aster, Blackstone, BPEA EQT, and KKR have refrained from making official comments, while OTPP’s response is pending.
Founded in 1987 with a single clinic in Dubai, Aster has since expanded its presence to operate 33 hospitals, numerous clinics, and pharmacies across India and the Gulf region.
The company continues to focus on its strategic growth in India, aiming to increase its hospital bed capacity in the country through 2026.
Although India represents more than half of Aster’s hospitals, it accounted for approximately a quarter of the company’s revenue in the quarter ending June 30.
EQT AB’s acquisition of BPEA EQT in the previous year marked a significant development in the private equity sector, combining the strengths of both firms to create BPEA EQT’s Asia private equity teams.
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