PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has partnered with SCMC to enhance mental health initiatives across Abu Dhabi, focusing on mothers and children. This collaboration aims to support Abu Dhabi’s mental health strategy and improve community health outcomes through comprehensive healthcare services.
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines joint efforts between both organizations to establish a cooperative framework. This framework will improve and enhance their capacity to support mental health initiatives effectively, along with collaborating on various aspects of healthcare such as prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Her Excellency, Rym Al Falasy, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, stated that this strategic partnership is part of the ongoing preparations for the upcoming Fatima Bint Mubarak Motherhood and Childhood Forum, scheduled for October. The forum aims to raise awareness across all segments of society about the importance of mental health care, particularly for women, adolescents, and children. This focus on mental health is crucial due to its significant impact on the lives of these valuable members of the community, enhancing their quality of life and overall well-being. Furthermore, it reflects on the future of adolescents and children and their ability to contribute to the nation’s development and progress, as they are the future generations who will continue the nation’s successful journey.
She added that Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, the ‘Mother of the Nation’, consistently emphasises the importance of creating the optimal environment for mothers and children. She stresses the need to consider their psychological well-being and provide the highest quality services in this regard, ensuring that mothers can raise their children free from negative influences on their behaviour, beliefs, and understanding. This approach also protects children from the risks of psychological disorders, which often hinder their academic achievement, social interaction, and future professional performance.
Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, Shaista Asif said, “At PureHealth, we are committed to a vision of longevity that prioritises mental wellness as well as physical health. We understand that mental well-being is fundamental to overall health, and it’s imperative that our healthcare system reflects this by providing holistic, inclusive services. Our collaboration with SCMC enables us to advocate for and deliver mental health services tailored to the unique needs of mothers and children, ensuring that healthcare initiatives are accessible to everyone in the community more effectively.”
Under Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak’s leadership, SCMC focuses on advancing maternal and child welfare in Abu Dhabi. A joint study with PureHealth’s Ambulatory Healthcare Services found that 26.4 percent of mothers in Abu Dhabi experience postpartum depression. Globally, one in seven adolescents faces mental health challenges, underscoring the need for targeted support. The partnership aims to enhance mental healthcare through PureHealth’s Sakina division, leveraging a robust network of clinics and over 500 healthcare professionals dedicated to mental health services.
Dr Zain Al Yafai, CEO of Sakina, said: “This collaboration will enable both PureHealth and SCMC to extend their reach and enhance overall impact within the community, particularly among those most in need of mental health support. Sakina exemplifies how specialised services, such as those addressing neurodiversity and other specific mental health needs, can be integrated into broader health initiatives. This partnership aligns with the objectives of PureHealth’s latest initiatives, ensuring that mental health care is woven into the fabric of community health services.”