Post by : Mumtaaz
Qadiri
PureHealth has launched a new nationwide service that allows people across the UAE to access mental health care virtually. The service, available through its AI-enabled health app, Pura, was introduced in collaboration with SAKINA, the region’s largest mental health network. This initiative aims to make mental health care more accessible, confidential, and convenient for everyone.
The launch marks a major step in the UAE’s effort to prioritize mental wellbeing as a key pillar of overall health. Through this new service, people can now connect directly with licensed psychologists and psychiatrists from anywhere in the country, using just their smartphones.
Direct Access to Licensed Experts
The Pura app enables users to book private, expert-led mental health sessions easily. Patients can schedule appointments with professional therapists and psychiatrists, ensuring timely and secure care. These sessions are available to all, including individuals covered by Daman insurance.
SAKINA, which is part of PureHealth’s SEHA hospital network, brings decades of experience and cultural understanding to its mental health practice. By integrating its services with the Pura app, SAKINA ensures that patients receive evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized care in a confidential online setting.
Addressing a Global and Regional Challenge
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every eight people in the world suffers from a mental health disorder. In the GCC region, however, up to 80% of these cases go undiagnosed, and around 75% of those affected do not seek professional help.
The reasons for this gap often include limited access to care, cultural stigma, and the preference for managing such issues privately. By offering virtual services through Pura, PureHealth aims to close this gap, making it easier for people to seek timely help and begin their journey toward better mental wellbeing.
Leadership Commitment to Inclusive Digital Healthcare
Shaista Asif, Group Chief Executive Officer of PureHealth, emphasized that the company’s goal is to make healthcare more accessible, responsive, and human-centered.
“With Pura, we’re making care more accessible, more responsive, and more human, thoughtfully designed around real lives and real needs,” said Asif. “By harnessing the power of digital healthcare and AI, we’re not just scaling access; we’re personalizing care and helping remove longstanding barriers to mental health support.”
This initiative aligns with PureHealth’s broader mission to digitally transform healthcare, ensuring that everyone in the UAE has access to preventive and personalized health solutions.
Beyond Therapy: Tools for Everyday Wellness
In addition to live therapy sessions, the Pura app includes a wide range of self-help and educational resources designed to support everyday mental wellbeing. These include guided meditations, emotional resilience exercises, educational videos, and preventive wellness programs.
These tools allow users to practice mindfulness, reduce stress, and manage their emotions even outside formal therapy sessions, making mental health support a continuous and integrated part of daily life.
Building Awareness and Reducing Stigma
Dr. Zain Al Yafei, Chief Executive Officer of SAKINA, highlighted the importance of addressing mental health challenges openly. “Mental health remains a significant and often under-addressed challenge in communities across the globe. Networks such as SAKINA play a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging open dialogue,” he said.
He added that integrating SAKINA’s licensed experts into the Pura app helps bridge the gap between patients and mental health professionals. “This launch marks an important step toward enabling earlier intervention and promoting a more proactive, personalized approach to mental health care across the UAE,” Dr. Al Yafei stated.
Supporting UAE’s National Health Priorities
The introduction of this digital mental health platform supports the UAE’s national health priorities, which emphasize preventive care, innovation, and inclusivity. By combining AI technology with human expertise, PureHealth is creating a more effective and compassionate healthcare experience.
The initiative also aligns with the UAE government’s goal of using digital transformation to enhance accessibility and improve citizens’ quality of life. It ensures that mental health services are no longer limited by geography, scheduling difficulties, or social barriers.
Toward a Healthier and Happier Society
Through this partnership, PureHealth and SAKINA are setting a new standard for mental healthcare in the UAE. By making expert help available through an app, they are encouraging more people to prioritize their mental wellbeing and seek help early.
The initiative is expected to inspire further innovation in digital health, reduce stigma around mental illness, and foster a culture of care and understanding across communities.
As more users adopt Pura for their wellbeing needs, PureHealth’s digital-first approach is paving the way for a healthier, happier, and more resilient UAE.
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