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Overview
The Pursukoon Zindagi Wellness Centers provide private, confidential, and safe spaces for mental health support in Pakistan. Designed to overcome space constraints and stigma in traditional healthcare settings, the centers deliver one-on-one counselling, group sessions, wellness workshops, and patient support services. By offering an accessible, destigmatized environment, the Wellness Centers enable early identification of depression and anxiety, support preventative mental health care, and improve overall community well-being. The Pursukoon Zindagi Wellness Centers are operational at four locations in Karachi: Sindh Government Hospital – New Karachi (SGH-NK), Sindh Government Hospital – Saudabad (SGH-S), Lyari General Hospital (LGH), and Memon Industrial and Technical Institute (MITI). The centers serve patients, attendants, and students, providing access to private mental health support in healthcare and educational settings.
22,000+
individuals screened for mental health concerns
1,400+
individuals enrolled in counselling
580
individuals completed counselling
65%
counselling completion rate
Our Partners
- British Asian Trust
- Savaira
- Mezrab
IRD collaborates with these partners to establish, equip, and operate Wellness Centers, ensuring high-quality, confidential mental health service delivery.
The Need
The Need
Space constraints
OPD and waiting areas in hospitals are non-conducive for private conversations, impeding identification and counselling of those experiencing mental health challenges.
Stigma and hesitancy
Cultural and societal norms deter people from visiting facilities solely for mental health support, limiting early intervention and follow-up.
Ineffective environments
Traditional healthcare settings often lack confidentiality, comfort, and safe spaces, reducing the quality of mental health care and discouraging utilization.
Our Approach: Delivery
Pursukoon Zindagi Wellness Centers use a community-focused, client-centered model:
- Private, safe spaces: Refurbished, transportable containers offer confidential counselling environments within hospital premises and training institutes.
- Integrated mental health services: One-on-one counselling, group sessions, wellness workshops, and patient support groups deliver holistic care.
- Lay counsellor model: Trained counsellors provide early identification, guidance, and ongoing support for depression, anxiety, and stress management.
- Flexible deployment: Centers are designed to overcome infrastructural limitations in hospitals and educational institutions, enabling rapid setup and high-quality service delivery.
This approach ensures mental health support is accessible, destigmatized, and adapted to local needs.
Our partners
PDI has a nationwide footprint, focusing on districts identified by the national STH survey— 47 at-risk districts requiring annual deworming.
The Drivers Behind Our Impact
The Drivers Behind Our Impact
Private, safe, and confidential spaces
Dedicated Wellness Centers overcome space and privacy constraints in conventional facilities.
Lay counsellor–led services
Community-based counselors expand service capacity and foster trust, ensuring culturally sensitive care.
Integrated, holistic approach
Individual counselling, group sessions, workshops, and support groups address diverse mental health needs.
High uptake and completion rates
The combination of accessibility, privacy, and quality counselling encourages engagement and sustained participation.
Scalable and adaptable model
Transportable centers can be deployed in multiple hospitals and institutions, extending mental health access across diverse communities.
Destigmatization of mental health
Safe and supportive environments reduce societal and cultural barriers, encouraging help-seeking and promoting mental well-being.