DUBAI — Aster DM Healthcare - one of the largest private, integrated healthcare service providers across the GCC, has brought in the first batch of 88 ICU nurses from India to support the UAE’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19, with support from the Indian Consulate and UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Aster has selected 60 nurses trained in critical care who were working at Aster’s quaternary care hospitals in India who would be joining the UAE government’s forces to manage the COVID-19 care facilities in Dubai. Dr. Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director of Aster DM Healthcare, said, “The initiative reflects the trusted relationship that exists between India and the UAE and the deep commitment shared by the two nations to support one another. It is all the more pertinent during such unprecedented crisis. “Aster felt duty bound to assist UAE by bringing our medical professionals from India for best possible healthcare delivery to citizens, residents and visitors alike during the COVID-19 situation, and to be part of increasing the surge capacity. “We would like to extend our deep appreciation to the Director General of DHA Humaid Al Qutami, UAE Ambassador to India Dr. Ahmed AlBanna, India’s Ambassador to UAE Pavan Kapoor and the Consul General of India in Dubai H Vipul who took active interest in this mission.” The UAE government along with Dubai Health Authority have set-up a 3,000 bed field hospital in Dubai World Trade Centre to treat mild to moderate cases. This is a part of Dubai Government’s proactive measure to build capacity to treat patients incase an upsurge of COVID-19 cases takes place. Al Qutami said, “We have a long-standing relationship with India and our private sector partners in healthcare. This initiative is testimony to the relationship shared by the two nations and it highlights the close collaboration between the government and the private health sector. “We have built sufficient capacity to tackle the situation in case the need arises and we are closely working with healthcare authorities in the UAE to ensure we provide the highest standard of care to COVID-19 patients in the country. We are deeply grateful to all frontline workers including all medical professionals who are working tirelessly to serve the community.” Consul General Vipul commented, “It is yet another example of strong India UAE bilateral ties and reflects deep understanding of problems faced by expatriates as well as UAE nationals in UAE. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Dubai Health Authority and Aster DM Healthcare, who have gone out of their way to support in taking care of Indian expatriate community in this time of crisis. We feel extremely proud to be a part of this joint initiative in providing relief for Covid-19 patients in different facilities.” Aster DM Healthcare’s efforts to bring in the 88 ICU nurses to support the UAE government is a part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to support the government in the containment of the COVID-19 outbreak while ensuring access to quality care for as many positive cases as possible. This is in addition to the other initiatives that have been taken up by the organization to support the authorities like screening camps in densely populated areas; triage, isolation and treatment of positive cases at Aster and Medicare facilities, management of isolation camps, support in transferring positive patients and helping the community through distribution of essential supplies. — SG