Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare Launch Integrated Child Development Centre in Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
Aster Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare GCC, in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, a prominent leader in child development services, has announced the opening of a new Integrated Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, Dubai. This innovative centre offers a holistic approach to child development, providing a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities.
An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre offers screening, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services designed to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth. By nurturing these abilities, the centre empowers children to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence.
The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Services include screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental, communication, and motor disorders, as well as behavioral assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders.
As part of its comprehensive diagnostic framework, the centre offers Psycho-Educational Analysis to integrate insights across disciplines and create personalized intervention plans. Equipped with internationally recognized assessment tools, it ensures evidence-based care across all stages—from screening to therapy—for children aged 0–16 years.
What sets this centre apart is its seamless collaboration between medical and rehabilitation teams, combining hospital and clinic-based care under one roof. DYU Healthcare's proven Standard Operating Procedures, developed over a decade of experience in India, guide the centre's operations. This includes care for children discharged from the NICU and those requiring ongoing support in early childhood. DYU's team-based approach has consistently delivered impactful outcomes for children with a wide range of developmental challenges.
In this collaboration, DYU Healthcare is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of its proven models of care, while Aster Clinics provides strategic leadership and guidance, to ensure the integration of these services within the UAE healthcare landscape. This partnership brings together Aster's established healthcare infrastructure and DYU's specialized expertise in child development.
Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre's opening, saying, 'The Integrated Child Development Centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE. Our partnership with DYU Healthcare enables us to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to child development. This is only the beginning, and we are excited to expand these services across the Aster Network in the UAE.'
Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the importance of addressing the growing demand for specialized care in the UAE. 'With the increasing number of parents concerned about their children's development or behavior due to disorders like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will provide proper assessment, counseling and integrated, specialized care for children if required. Our goal is to deliver early, impactful interventions that will make a lasting difference to children's lives.'
Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, ' We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, offering medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof to save parents time and resources. Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions. We look forward to expanding Aster DYU Centres across the UAE to serve more children.'
Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500. With a skilled team, advanced equipment, and an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures comprehensive, evidence-based care.
Over the next two years, the centre plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach, including partnerships with local nurseries, primary, and middle schools to extend services within school premises.
This collaboration between Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare marks a major step forward in child development care in the UAE, promising lasting impact for children and their families.
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2 days ago
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Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare Launch Integrated Child Development Centre in Dubai - Middle East Business News and Information
Aster Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare GCC, in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, a prominent leader in child development services, has announced the opening of a new Integrated Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, Dubai. This innovative centre offers a holistic approach to child development, providing a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities. An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre offers screening, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services designed to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth. By nurturing these abilities, the centre empowers children to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Services include screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental, communication, and motor disorders, as well as behavioral assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. As part of its comprehensive diagnostic framework, the centre offers Psycho-Educational Analysis to integrate insights across disciplines and create personalized intervention plans. Equipped with internationally recognized assessment tools, it ensures evidence-based care across all stages—from screening to therapy—for children aged 0–16 years. What sets this centre apart is its seamless collaboration between medical and rehabilitation teams, combining hospital and clinic-based care under one roof. DYU Healthcare's proven Standard Operating Procedures, developed over a decade of experience in India, guide the centre's operations. This includes care for children discharged from the NICU and those requiring ongoing support in early childhood. DYU's team-based approach has consistently delivered impactful outcomes for children with a wide range of developmental challenges. In this collaboration, DYU Healthcare is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of its proven models of care, while Aster Clinics provides strategic leadership and guidance, to ensure the integration of these services within the UAE healthcare landscape. This partnership brings together Aster's established healthcare infrastructure and DYU's specialized expertise in child development. Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre's opening, saying, 'The Integrated Child Development Centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE. Our partnership with DYU Healthcare enables us to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to child development. This is only the beginning, and we are excited to expand these services across the Aster Network in the UAE.' Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the importance of addressing the growing demand for specialized care in the UAE. 'With the increasing number of parents concerned about their children's development or behavior due to disorders like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will provide proper assessment, counseling and integrated, specialized care for children if required. Our goal is to deliver early, impactful interventions that will make a lasting difference to children's lives.' Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, ' We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, offering medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof to save parents time and resources. Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions. We look forward to expanding Aster DYU Centres across the UAE to serve more children.' Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500. With a skilled team, advanced equipment, and an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures comprehensive, evidence-based care. Over the next two years, the centre plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach, including partnerships with local nurseries, primary, and middle schools to extend services within school premises. This collaboration between Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare marks a major step forward in child development care in the UAE, promising lasting impact for children and their families.
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Aster DM Healthcare Recognized as Great Place To Work™ in the Sultanate of Oman and other GCC countries - Middle East Business News and Information
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Ultra-processed foods and mental health By RESHMA DEVJANI, CLINICAL DIETITIAN at Fakeeh University Hospital
What are ultra processed foods and how do they differ from minimally processed foods? Ultra processed foods refer to industrially manufactured food products made up of food substances of no culinary use like – varieties of sugars such as fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, 'fruit juice concentrates', invert sugar, maltodextrin, dextrose and lactose – modified starches – modified oils such as hydrogenated or interesterified oils – modified protein sources such as hydrolysed proteins, soya protein isolate, gluten, casein, whey protein and 'mechanically separated meat' – additives with cosmetic functions (flavours, flavour enhancers, colours, emulsifiers, emulsifying salts, sweeteners, thickeners and anti-foaming, bulking, carbonating, foaming, gelling and glazing agents) in their list of ingredients. Some examples of UPFs are Minimally processed foods refer to those foods which did not undergo extensive processing or have undergone minimal processing so they can be more easily stored, prepared, and eaten. Processes include washing, peeling, chopping, freezing, and pasteurization. MPFs retain most of their natural ingredients and nutritive value and nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. Examples include frozen vegetables, pre-cut fruits, pasteurized milk, dehydrated vegetables and fruits, etc. How do UPFs impact the brain and mental health ? Ultra processed foods are associated with cognitive decline and impact the mental health negatively. They increase the risk for – depression – anxiety – elevated symptoms of boredom, fear, worry, unhappiness, poor sleep and sadness – dementia – binge eating disorder – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Is there any scientific evidence linking ultra-processed foods to depression? Can you explain the biological mechanisms? Many scientific studies and research papers have been published recently in during the last few years proving the link between poor dietary quality and the use of ultraprocessed foods and their adverse effects on mental health and increased risk for depression. However more researches are still ongoing in this area. The biological mechanisms associated with negative impact of UPFs on mental health are related to – inflammatory responses to industrial food additives. – lack of antioxidants. – contaminants from packaging materials. – gut microbiota dysbiosis. – nutrient deficiencies like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, selenium, omega 3, etc. – dopamine overactivation related to addiction-like eating. – distorted fatty acid composition of brain membrane phospholipids affecting brain integrity. Have you noticed an increase in depression or anxiety symptoms among people with poor dietary habits? Yes, many times. People with poor dietary habits including indulgence into UPF often have eating disorders, excess weight gain, anxiety problems, depression, sleep disturbances or other mental health problems. What are some healthy alternatives to ultraprocessed foods? Choose foods like – nuts and air popped traditional style popcorn over chips, crisps and packaged popcorn. – fresh meat, chicken, eggs, fish and beans over sausages, processed meats, hotdogs, canned fish. – wild rice, burghul, quinoa, millets over noodles, refined grains, breads, pasta, etc. – steel cut oats over processed and packaged breakfast cereals. – fresh fruits or dried fruits like prunes, figs, dates over cereal bars, packaged juices, ice cream, donuts, pastries. – water over packaged juices, sodas or energy drinks. What dietary changes would you recommend to improve mental well being? Follow a diet with natural foods, unprocessed ingredients or minimally processed foods with Mediterranean eating pattern incorporating – Whole grains. – Fresh or dry beans and legumes not canned. – Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, fresh chicken breast and fresh lean meat. – Healthy fats from olive oil, canola oil, avocados, walnut oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil, etc. – Dairy products and cottage cheese over processed cheese. – nuts and seeds, homemade nut butter. – Stay away from processed and packaged foods. Are certain groups of people more at risk of consumption of ultraprocessed foods? – Children due to their increased screen time get exposed to food advertisements promoting the consumption of these ultraprocessed foods. – Teenagers due to their peer and social media influences and increased outside eating resulting in frequent visits to fast food outlets, consumption of sodas, energy drinks, etc. – Youth or Young adults get exposed due to outside food consumption, frequent ordering outside, consumption of protein shakes, bars, supplements promoted at gyms, attractive packaging and offers. – Shift workers, working moms indulge into easy to prepare convience foods
