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In a major boost for aspiring medical students, especially those facing financial challenges, Aster DM Healthcare has launched a new scholarship programme offering 100% tuition fee waivers for MBBS, BSc Nursing, and BPharm courses. Designed to support 25 deserving students every year, the initiative opens doors to high-quality medical education at no cost, removing a key financial barrier for many talented individuals across India and the UAE

The Dr. Moopen’s Legacy Scholarship & Fellowships Programme, announced by Padma Shri Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder and Chairman of Aster DM Healthcare, is the first of its kind from a private medical college in Kerala, and promises to transform access to healthcare education in underserved regions.

“No capable student should have to give up on a dream of becoming a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist because they cannot afford it,” said Dr. Moopen. “This initiative is our commitment to changing that.”

Scholarship Details:

• 5 MBBS students will be selected based entirely on academic merit, including NEET rankings.
• 10 BSc Nursing and 10 BPharm students will be chosen based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.
• The scholarship will cover 100% of tuition fees.
• Over five years, 125 students are expected to benefit, with a financial commitment exceeding INR 3 crore annually.

Applications open on July 28, 2025, and detailed eligibility guidelines are available at www.dmscholarship.in.

Public sector workers in Dubai can look forward to shorter workweeks and more time off this summer as part of the newly expanded ‘Our Flexible Summer’ initiative, the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) has announced.

Running from July 1 to September 12, 2025, the initiative allows government employees the option of a four-day workweek or reduced Friday hours, depending on the schedule adopted by their respective government entity.

How the flexible schedule works

Under the new scheme, employees will be divided into two groups:

• Group 1: Work 8 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, with Friday off
• Group 2: Work 7 hours from Monday to Thursday, and 4.5 hours on Friday

The aim is to offer greater flexibility and improved work-life balance, while ensuring that public services continue without disruption. Each government department can choose how best to implement the new schedule.

Last year, the employee happiness rate was 98 per cent

The initiative follows the successful pilot phase conducted last year across 21 government entities, where the new summer schedule led to higher productivity, stronger team morale, and a whopping 98 per cent satisfaction rate among employees.

Assessments conducted as part of the Dubai Government Excellence Programme also reported improved operational efficiency and better overall performance from participating departments.

Part of the ‘Year of Community’

The summer workweek initiative aligns with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’, reflecting a broader push to create a more balanced, family-friendly and people-first work environment.

Abdullah Ali bin Zayed Al Falasi, Director General of DGHR, said the initiative underscores Dubai’s commitment to putting people at the centre of government strategy.

“This builds on last year’s success and demonstrates our ongoing efforts to support employee wellbeing, institutional performance and flexible, sustainable public service,” he said.

A people-first government model

The Dubai Government said the expansion of ‘Our Flexible Summer’ represents a strategic step towards a more progressive and human-centric public sector, strengthening family bonds and social cohesion while maintaining service excellence.

Employees and departments are encouraged to work collaboratively to ensure smooth implementation during the summer period.

Cancer patients in the UAE will soon have access to one of the most advanced cancer treatments in the world, right here in Dubai.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has given the green light to Yas Healthcare, a subsidiary of Das Holding, to build the UAE’s first proton therapy centre. This cutting-edge facility is expected to open by the end of 2028, with construction starting in early 2026.

What is Proton Therapy?

Proton therapy is a type of highly precise radiation treatment that uses targeted beams to destroy cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue. It’s especially effective for:

• Children with cancer
• Tumours located near sensitive organs like the brain, spine, or eyes
• Patients needing treatment with fewer side effects

Until now, many UAE residents had to travel abroad, sometimes for months, to access this treatment. But with the new Yas Proton Therapy Centre in Dubai, patients will receive world-class care here.

Why It Matters for Patients and Families

Dr. Mohamad Zaki, Medical Director of Yas Healthcare, said the new centre will make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable, especially for young patients and those with complex cases.

“Proton therapy provides a treatment option with fewer side effects and lower toxicity for certain cancer types,” he explained.

For families, this means:

• Less emotional and financial stress from travelling overseas
• Faster access to advanced treatment
• Better chances of recovery with minimal disruption to daily life

Global Expertise, Local Impact

The project will be developed in collaboration with the National Cancer Centre Singapore. Their team will bring world-class knowledge to ensure the centre meets international standards in both safety and results.

Dr. Michael Wang from the NCCS shared, “Proton therapy is changing how we treat cancer, and now UAE patients will benefit from it too.”

A Vision for Healthier Lives in Dubai

Dr. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali of DHA said the centre is part of Dubai’s long-term goal to become one of the top 10 cities in the world for healthy life expectancy.
“This new facility will improve cancer care for our community and attract patients from across the region,” he said.

The project supports major UAE initiatives including the:

• National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031
• Dubai Social Agenda 33
• Dubai Economic Agenda D33
• Dubai Medical Tourism Vision