Nigeria’s health minister visited Aster DM Healthcare in Dubai to explore collaboration on healthcare training, specialist care, mobile medical clinics and capacity building for communities across Nigeria.
DUBAI: Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, led a senior delegation to Aster DM Healthcare’s UAE facilities to explore a long-term partnership aimed at strengthening healthcare services, clinical training and medical capacity in Nigeria.
The Nigeria health minister toured several of Aster’s flagship healthcare facilities, including Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, Aster Hospital Al Qusais, Medcare Medical Centre Mirdif, Wellth holistic medicine clinic, Aster Pharmacy outlets and the group’s automated robotic warehouse. During the visit, Aster’s leadership presented its integrated healthcare model, advanced clinical services and digital healthcare innovations.
The delegation also reviewed specialised programmes that have become key parts of Aster’s healthcare network. These included advanced cardiac care, the WalkAgain robotic rehabilitation programme for neurological patients, specialised women’s and children’s healthcare services, and centres of excellence covering cardiology, neurology, oncology and orthopaedics.
Speaking after the visit, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the delegation was impressed by Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to quality, patient safety and specialised medical services.
“We were delighted to observe Aster DM Healthcare’s strong commitment to quality, patient safety, and specialized care. The integrated healthcare model, along with a focus on training and innovation, offers significant opportunities for collaboration. We anticipate a close partnership with Aster DM Healthcare to exchange best practices and enhance healthcare capacity in Nigeria.”
Alisha Moopen, Managing Director of Aster DM Healthcare, welcomed the delegation and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in expanding access to quality healthcare.
“At Aster DM Healthcare, our mission has consistently been to ensure that quality healthcare is both accessible and compassionate. This visit underscores our mutual conviction that collaboration, training, and knowledge sharing can yield a lasting impact. We are dedicated to partnering with the Nigerian Ministry of Health to facilitate capacity building and improve healthcare outcomes for communities.”
Discussions focused on practical areas of cooperation, including training programmes for nurses and paramedics, clinical skill development for physicians, surgical outreach initiatives and referrals for complex cases requiring tertiary care in the UAE.
The meeting also highlighted the work of Aster Volunteers, the group’s global corporate social responsibility programme, which delivers mobile medical clinics, maternal healthcare initiatives and community outreach services for underserved populations.
Both sides agreed to establish a collaborative working framework that will translate these discussions into practical projects. The framework is expected to support healthcare workforce development, improve access to specialised medical services and strengthen knowledge sharing between the UAE and Nigeria.
The Nigeria health minister described the visit as an important step towards building sustainable healthcare partnerships, while Aster DM Healthcare reaffirmed its commitment to supporting healthcare development beyond its existing markets. The collaboration reflects a shared ambition to improve patient outcomes through innovation, education and international cooperation.
