Aster Pharmacy, a leading regional pharmacy retail chain in the UAE, has received the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Business Innovation Award under the Trade category for innovative practices undertaken in the healthcare retail sector. The second cycle of the MRM Business Innovation Awards was held on February 26, 2019 in Dubai to honor private sector organizations for their contribution towards the economy’s future growth and development.
The award is given to businesses after a thorough assessment by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (the custodians of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Excellence Awards). Commending Aster Pharmacy’s unique offering comprising products and services that are matched by industry-best practices and processes, the award recognizes innovation in healthcare retail that delivers sustainable business growth.
The award was presented to Mr. Jobilal Vavachan, CEO of Aster Pharmacy & Clinics by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO and Chairman of the Emirates Group, in the presence of H.E. Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Bin Abdul Aziz Al Shehhi, Undersecretary for Economic Affairs, Ministry of Economy, UAE and Mr. Majid Saif Ahmad Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Commenting on this prestigious occasion, Mr. Jobilal said, “We are honored to receive the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Business Innovation Award for 2019. As an organization, we believe that the advent of innovation forms the backbone of growth and development. With every passing year we ensure that we introduce new technologies and innovative process in all our fundamental areas, and it is a great honor to be recognized as a proven innovative healthcare leader in the GCC”.
Key innovations that led Aster Pharmacy to win this award include UAE’s first pharmacy loyalty program ‘Aster Secure Rewards Program’; the e-commerce platform AsterOnline.com which serves as an online pharmacy with the facility of uploading prescriptions online and getting medicines delivered at their doorstep; a clinic in pharmacy model, extensive training and induction modules and social media based recruitments, among many others.
Aligned with UAE Vision 2021 to move towards a more innovation-driven knowledge economy, the MRM Business Innovation Award, aims at recognizing and celebration innovation excellence and the success of companies whose outstanding practices and achievements in innovation contribute to sustainable business growth. The awards have observed a large influx and a collective rise of 46% in the number of applicants vis-à-vis the last cycles.
