Aster DM Healthcare, the healthcare conglomerate has launched an advanced technology for chronic disease (Diabetes and Hypertension) patients, as a part of its innovative remote monitoring programme called Aster Chronic Care @ Home. Inaugurated by Dr. Layla Al Marzouqi – Director of Health Regulation at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA); Dr. Azad Moopen – Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare; and Ms. Alisha Moopen – Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hospitals & Clinics (GCC); the integrated health service will empower patients to take control of their disease management through close monitoring of blood glucose and blood pressure reading, constant data management through a mobile app connected to a call centre and proactive patient outreach from Aster specialists for care.
Envisioned to deliver a personalised healthcare solution that will strengthen continuum of care by ensuring compliance to disease management regime and minimising complications associated with the conditions. The technology would function through the introduction of smart monitoring devices for blood glucose and blood pressure. The readings or data captured by the devices would be automatically updated to a mobile application on the patient’s phone and health records maintained by the care provider. These health interpretations readings will be closely monitored by trained nurses and paramedics through a contact centre.
In case of fluctuations in the reading patterns, the patient would receive direct calls from Aster care specialists. The new service is based on the international concept of improving chronic disease care through regular monitoring and constant communication about disease management from the care provider to the patient.
“One of our constant efforts in UAE, is to ensure that all our residents have access to quality healthcare and undertake the appropriate measures necessary to minimize the challenges associated with highly prevalent chronic diseases like Diabetes and Hypertension. Personalised and customised health services need to be accessible, affordable, and responsive. We congratulate Aster DM Healthcare, for their continued efforts in initiating positive measures to help transform healthcare delivery in the country,” said Dr. Layla Al Marzouqi – Director of Health Regulation at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
“At Aster, we strive to continuously strengthen our service offerings and bridge gaps in access to quality healthcare services across the UAE, in alignment with the government’s vision. The Aster Chronic Care @ Home programme aims to make disease management for patients a smooth and easy-to-use solution to make a positive difference in their lives. It is our constant endeavour to fulfill our commitment to improving the lives of the people that we serve every day, through innovative solutions, to achieve best health outcomes,” said Dr. Azad Moopen – Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare.
The technology solution is based on a pilot study conducted amongst diabetic patients where patients followed a monitoring regime, advised by their doctors. Around 58% of the patients showed marked improvement in managing the condition without any change in medication therapies by their physician. The study provided the basis for further analysis of disease management trends in UAE.
“Healthcare is shifting its focus from hospital-based acute care towards prevention, promotion of wellness, and maintenance of function in community as well as home-based facilities. In the era of constant connectivity, the solution enables people to interact with healthcare professionals for disease management at home or at work; patients can limit doctor visits to when an in-person clinical consultation is appropriate,” said Ms. Alisha Moopen – Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hospitals & Clinics (GCC).
The Aster Chronic Care @ home package includes smart Diabetes and Blood Pressure monitoring devices, constant care monitoring and fast track services, which is available at a one year home monitoring subscription cost of AED 999, following doctor’s advice. Renewal of home monitoring subscription in the subsequent year can be availed at AED 299, making it 54 AED per month for 2 years. The service is currently available in Dubai, and will be expanding to other Emirates in the coming months.
