Al Jalila Foundation, a philanthropic organisation dedicated to transforming lives through medical education and treatment, has received Dh10 million ($2.7 million) as donation from Aster DM Healthcare, a leading healthcare conglomerate in the Middle East and India.

The donation will help Al Jalila Foundation develop cutting-edge medical research to benefit the future health of the UAE, said a statement.

Dr Raja Easa Al Gurg, chairperson of the board of directors and member of the board of trustees at Al Jalila Foundation, said: “For many years, Dr Moopen has had a significant influence on the UAE’s medical landscape, building a business while also giving back to society.  I would like to take this opportunity to personally congratulate Dr Moopen for making such a positive difference to the UAE.  

“We share a vision – to see our children grow up in a future devoid of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity or mental illness.  The Al Jalila Foundation’s medical research endowment fund provides the basis for such a future and we thank Dr Moopen and Aster DM Healthcare for this major contribution to support the advancement of medical research in the UAE.”

Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said: “We are extremely proud to be able to support the incredible work of Al Jalila Foundation. They are giving the next generation of medical professionals the opportunity to explore the medical sciences and discover solutions that will drastically improve the healthcare industry in the region.

“Aster DM Healthcare is honoured to be a part of Al Jalila Foundation’s scientific & philanthropic initiative in the area of healthcare to fulfil the vision of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.”

Al Jalila Foundation’s investments in medical research and education aim to nurture a future generation of highly-qualified medical professionals through postgraduate scholarships, research seed grants and international fellowships, said the statement.

The Al Jalila Foundation Research Centre, the UAE’s first independent multi-disciplinary medical research centre, will bring together local and international scientists to address the region’s most pressing health challenges: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and mental health.

The state-of-the-art centre is scheduled to open next year at Dubai Healthcare City, it added. - TradeArabia News Service