Across Pakistan, there is a lack of mental health services and adequate safe spaces for communities to practice well-being. Today the IRD Mental Health Program launched a one-of-a-kind solution to this issue – the Pursukoon Zindagi Wellness Centre, a container facility providing a dedicated safe space to practice emotional and mental well-being. The launch took place at The Indus Hospital (Korangi campus), where the first centre has been placed.
The centre will provide free of cost services which include individual mental health counseling, patient/peer support groups and awareness raising activities on the importance of mental health and basic signs and symptoms of common mental disorders. It will also serve as an open space for communities to participate in well-being activities, such as yoga and meditation, and aims to create awareness about the importance of well-being.
The Indus Hospital has been an integral partner for IRD and the Pursukoon Zindagi program; providing support and space for integration of mental health services, making it the perfect place for the opening of the first clinic.
The Wellness Centre was developed with the support of the British Asian Trust, Rangoonwala Foundation, CareTech and COSARAF. IRD hopes to expand by opening several more Wellness Centres in communities of need across Karachi.
In attendance were members of the IRD team, Indus Health Network members, donors and partners. The launch began with a few words from notable guests including IRD Pakistan Country Director Aneeta Pasha, IRD Executive Director Aamir Khan, CEO Indus Health Network, Dr. Abdul Bari Khan and and Mr. Atiq-ur-Rehman, representing the Rangoonwala Foundation. The event concluded with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour of the facility.