logo
Dubai: Top 10 finalists revealed for Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth $250,000

Dubai: Top 10 finalists revealed for Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth $250,000

Gulf News05-05-2025

Dubai: Dubai -headquartered Aster DM Healthcare on Monday announced the top 10 finalists for the fourth edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award – a prestigious global recognition with $250,000 prize money, that honours the exceptional contributions of nurses worldwide.
The 10 finalists were selected from a record-breaking pool of 100,000+ registrations across 199 countries, through a stringent evaluation process led by expert jury and Grand jury panels members, the organisers said.
The top 10 finalists for 2025 includes Fitz Gerald Dalina Camacho from Mediclinic City Hospital in the UAE.
The rest of the finalists are: Catherine Maree Holliday (Centre for Community-Driven Response, Switzerland), Edith Namba (Mount Hagen Provincial Hospital, Papua New Guinea), Dr. Jed Ray Gengoba Montayre (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR), Dr. Jose Arnold Tariga (Insight Global Health, USA), Khadija Mohamed Juma (Tudor Subcounty Hospital, Kenya), Maheswari Jaganathan (Cancer Research Malaysia), Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti (Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana), Dr. Sukhpal Kaur (PGIMER, India), Vibhaben Gunvantbhai Salaliya (Hospital for Mental Health, India). More details about the top 10 finalists are available on the website of the award.
True leaders
Dr Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, said: 'The Top 10 finalists have demonstrated extraordinary dedication, skill, and compassion in their work – selected from over 100,000 registrations that were received for the 4th edition of Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. These nurses are not just healthcare providers, but true leaders, pushing boundaries and making a profound impact in their communities. Their exceptional contributions deserve to be recognized, and through this award, we celebrate their passion and commitment to improving lives across the globe."
The fourth edition of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award will not only present the grand prize of USD 250,000 to the winner, but also honour the other nine finalists with recognition and rewards.
Grand finale in Dubai
The final stage will involve public voting and interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, with the winner set to be announced at a gala event in Dubai, on May 26.
The final round will feature interviews with distinguished members of the Grand Jury, including: Prof. Sheila Tlou, Co-Chairperson of the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and Special Ambassador of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance, Botswana; Prof. James Buchan, Adjunct Professor at the WHO Collaborating Centre, University of Technology, Sydney, and Editor Emeritus of the Human Resources for Health Journal; Dr. Peter Carter, OBE Awardee and Independent Healthcare Consultant, Former CEO of Central and Northwest London NHS and Former CEO of the Royal College of Nursing, UK; Dr. Niti Pall, President-Elect at the International Diabetes Federation, Senior Consultant at AXA EssentiAll, France, and Board Chair of Harbr and Managing Director of Health4all Advisory, UK; and Vishal Bali, Executive Chairman of Asia Healthcare Holdings, Senior Advisor at TPG Growth, and General Council Member of the Neonates Foundation of India.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PureHealth drives insurance business growth with Daman's entry into Property and Casualty insurance market
PureHealth drives insurance business growth with Daman's entry into Property and Casualty insurance market

Web Release

time6 days ago

  • Web Release

PureHealth drives insurance business growth with Daman's entry into Property and Casualty insurance market

PureHealth, the largest hospital and health insurance group in the Middle East, today announced the strategic expansion of its insurance arm, Daman, marking its transformation from a health-focused provider into a comprehensive, multi-line insurer with entry into the high-growth Property and Casualty (P&C) segment. As part of this evolution, Daman will adopt a new legal name: The National Insurance Company – Daman, reflecting its broadened scope and strengthened position within the UAE's dynamic insurance landscape. The transition reflects Daman's broader mission to meet the evolving protection needs of individuals and businesses across the emirates by offering them a broader suite of insurance services. As the insurance arm of PureHealth and the UAE's leading health insurer, Daman's expansion into the P&C segment supports its vision to become a comprehensive insurance provider and aligns with the group's commitment to deliver holistic care and coverage throughout all stages of life. Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, stated: 'Daman's evolution reflects PureHealth's broader strategy to create a fully integrated healthcare and insurance platform that drives better customer service and long-term value creation. Expanding into the Property and Casualty segment enhances portfolio diversification, supports risk management across sectors, and reinforces our commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem aligned with the UAE's economic and social development priorities.' H.E. Khaled Binshaiban Almheiri, Chairman of The National Insurance Company – Daman, commented: 'For nearly two decades, Daman has set the benchmark for health insurance in the UAE. This evolution marks a pivotal chapter – expanding our focus to offer a broader range of insurance solutions while maintaining the same rigour, trust and customer-first mindset our members know and value. By protecting individuals, businesses and assets, we are proud to play a central role in supporting the UAE's vision for sustainable wellbeing and long-term economic resilience.' Daman currently provides health coverage to more than three million members across a network of over 3,000 healthcare providers in the UAE. Backed by a resilient operational backbone, Daman brings together AI-powered underwriting, industry-leading efficiency in claim settlement, and a multilingual service delivery infrastructure to seamlessly support its expansion into new insurance verticals, without compromising its longstanding reputation for excellence. As per the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), the total number of written insurance policies for all types of insurance within the UAE increased to 14.6 million policies year-on-year in 2023, compared to 8.4 million policies in 2022, due to a higher number of property and liability insurance policies. The UAE's P&C insurance market is poised for further accelerated growth, which is projected to reach nearly USD 16.8 billion by 2031, according to Verified Market Research. In response to this growing demand, the company will continue to operate under the well-established Daman brand, introducing new P&C products in phases while ensuring uninterrupted service for existing members. Daman was named the best perceived health insurance brand in the UAE, according to the UAE Healthcare 2024 report from Brand Finance – a recognition that reflects its commitment to excellence and mission to cultivate a healthier community. This strategic growth plan reinforces PureHealth's broader vision to advance the science of longevity and deliver the promise of holistic care, from prevention to protection, through a connected health and insurance ecosystem.

Aster DM Healthcare recognised for Workplace quality
Aster DM Healthcare recognised for Workplace quality

Tahawul Tech

time6 days ago

  • Tahawul Tech

Aster DM Healthcare recognised for Workplace quality

In a region marked by rapid change and intense competition across sectors, the concept of a 'workplace' has evolved into a defining pillar for building resilient, sustainable institutions. Nowhere is this more vital than in healthcare—where success hinges not only on the quality of medical services, but equally on empowering the people behind them: doctors, nurses, and administrators. Organisations that place people at the heart of their mission—and foster cultures rooted in trust, respect, and belonging—are proving to be the most adaptable and enduring in today's demanding environment. Among the most striking examples of this philosophy is Aster DM Healthcare, which was recently certified as a Great Place to Work® in four Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. The accolade comes from the global authority Great Place to Work®, and is based entirely on employee feedback regarding trust in leadership, fairness of policies, sense of belonging, and inclusivity in the workplace. 38 Years of Commitment Since its founding 38 years ago by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster has pursued a clear vision: people come first—not as a slogan, but as a deeply embedded corporate ethos. Today, the group employs over 15,000 people, 76% of whom indicated high satisfaction, calling Aster 'one of the best places to work'. Aster's success isn't measured solely in business metrics, but in the core values it upholds daily: Passion, Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Unity, and Respect. These values are echoed in the group's signature promise—'We'll Treat You Well'—which applies not only to patients, but to every person working under its umbrella. The result is a workplace that feels like family—supportive, ambitious, and committed to professional growth. Voices From Within Alisha Moopen, CEO of Aster DM Group, spoke proudly of the recognition: 'Our employees are our greatest strength. We've spent years building a culture that embraces humanity before all else. This global recognition reflects an inspiring work environment that supports and empowers every individual'. In Saudi Arabia, where Aster's operations have expanded significantly, Mohammed Al Shammari, CEO of Aster Hospitals and Clinics KSA, shared his thoughts: 'We believe a positive work environment directly reflects on the quality of healthcare. We're not just building facilities—we're shaping leaders and unlocking human potential. We continue to invest in our people and empower Saudi talent to drive our humanitarian mission and meet the evolving goals of the Kingdom's health sector'. Empowerment at the Core What sets Aster apart is not only its safe and inclusive atmosphere, but its active employee empowerment model. Through open communication policies, skills development programs, mental health support, and peer networks, the group creates a workplace where employees feel like true partners—not just task-doers. This approach boosts both satisfaction and long-term loyalty. As Jacob Jacob, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, puts it: 'True competitive advantage today isn't about technology or buildings—it's about people. We're building a culture based on trust and growth. When employees are valued and empowered, they perform better. We are fully committed to their professional and personal development'. A Global Seal of Approval The recognition from Great Place to Work® is especially meaningful because it's awarded based on internal feedback, not external metrics. As Sarah Lewis-Colin, VP of Global Recognition at the organisation, noted: 'This certification is given only to institutions that demonstrate genuine commitment to their people. Aster is one of the few that succeed in this. Our real-time evaluation confirms it's among the best places to work—an ideal environment for growth and achievement'. Saudi Market Expansion Aster's footprint in the Saudi market currently includes Aster Sanad Hospital in Riyadh, 16 pharmacies, and the digital platform myAster, which allows users to book appointments, receive consultations, and manage prescriptions online. With ambitious growth plans, Aster is investing SAR 1 billion over the next three years to open 30 new medical centres, 5 hospitals, and 180 pharmacies, while creating around 4,900 new jobs for Saudi professionals—supporting national Saudization goals and strengthening the Kingdom's healthcare ecosystem. These efforts were recently recognised on the global stage, as five Aster hospitals were listed among the World's Best Hospitals 2025 by Newsweek and Statista. Aster Sanad Hospital ranked 38th in Saudi Arabia, underscoring the group's commitment to excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care. Healing Begins Within Aster firmly believes that quality healthcare begins on the inside—with the caregivers themselves. As Saudi Arabia redefines quality of life and professional development through Vision 2030, Aster stands as a model of how a human-centred, sustainable workplace is not only possible—but essential. Today, Aster operates an integrated network of 15 hospitals, 121 clinics, and 306 pharmacies across the Gulf and Jordan, under leading brands such as Aster, Medcare, and Access. It remains dedicated to its founding promise: 'We'll Treat You Well.' Image Credit: Aster DM Healthcare

Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000
Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000

Web Release

time28-05-2025

  • Web Release

Ghana's Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025 worth USD 250,000

Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti from Ghana has been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2025, selected from 100,000 applications from 199 countries. An Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, she was recognised with USD 250,000 at a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award was launched in 2021 to recognize the invaluable role of nurses in healthcare. The award was presented by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, UAE in presence of Dr Azad Moopen and Alisha Moopen. During this year's ceremony, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, shared a special message applauding Aster's effort in putting a spotlight on the contributions of nurses worldwide. Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti said, 'For over two decades, I've witnessed the inequities in cancer care firsthand and dedicated myself to closing these gaps through training, outreach, and system-level change. This award will help amplify our impact – scaling training, building faculty, and inspiring the next generation of oncology nurses across Africa.' Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chaiman, Aster DM Healthcare stated, 'Nurse Naomi Ohene Oti has redefined what it means to be a nurse – not just as a caregiver but as an innovator, leader, and changemaker. Her contributions uplift not only patients but the entire healthcare ecosystem, setting a gold standard for others to follow. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO, Aster DM Healthcare added, 'Naomi Ohene Oti's story is a powerful reminder of the quiet heroism that unfolds every day in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the world. We are incredibly proud to shine a global spotlight on her work, and through her, honour the millions of nurses who keep healthcare systems running and humanity thriving.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store