SHAREIn a pioneering initiative aimed at addressing the pressing need for mental health services in South Africa, Pharma Dynamics has partnered with Unjani Clinics to introduce a mental health pilot programme at one of its clinics in Pretoria. This pioneering move will see the introduction of a dedicated mental health counsellor, working under the supervision of a psychologist, marking the first time such services are being offered within the Unjani Clinics network.
Unjani Clinics is a national network of over 200 nurse-owned and -operated primary healthcare clinics which predominantly serve the country’s underserved communities. The Pretoria clinic, located in Lotus Gardens, will serve as the testing ground for this initiative, offering the following services related to trauma and grief, substance abuse, anger management, relationship difficulties and support groups. If successful, the programme will be rolled out across the entire network of clinics.
This collaboration not only represents a significant step forward in making mental health services more accessible to the broader population, but also underscores the critical need for such services, particularly in rural and disadvantaged areas. Abdurahmaan Kenny, Mental Health Portfolio Manager at Pharma Dynamics says SA is facing a growing mental health crisis, with depression and anxiety disorders affecting millions of people worldwide.
“According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an estimated 20% of the population will experience a depressive episode disorder at least once in their lifetime. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to mental health services is severely limited.
“Through our partnership with Unjani Clinics, we aim to bridge this gap by providing accessible, quality mental health care to those who need it most,” he emphasises. Darryl Langford, Business Development Manager at Unjani Clinics says the partnership with Pharma Dynamics aligns perfectly with their mission to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services to the underprivileged in society.
“Mental health is a critical area that has been neglected for too long. By integrating these services into our clinics, we are taking a significant step toward addressing the mental health crisis in our country.”
Unjani Clinics’ model, which is based on shifting primary healthcare tasks to professional nurses, has been instrumental in improving healthcare access in SA. The clinics, which serve the “bottom of the pyramid” markets, are strategically located within communities, ensuring that services are delivered at the point of need.
Over the past few years, Unjani Clinics has received numerous accolades for its innovative approach, including the Trialogue Strategic CSI Award (2021) and the Jobs Fund Social Impact Award (2018). These achievements highlight the impact Unjani has made in transforming healthcare delivery in the country.
Equally, Pharma Dynamics has a strong track record in the mental health space, with initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing support for those suffering from mental illness. The company’s commitment to mental health is reflected in its wide range of programmes, including the online “Let’s Talk Mental Health” initiative, which focuses on destigmatising mental illness and encouraging open conversations around these conditions.
Kenny says the pilot has the potential for nationwide impact. “We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those suffering from mental illness. Our goal is to create a sustainable model for mental health care that can be replicated across the country, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they deserve.”
As SA continues to grapple with the challenges of providing adequate healthcare to its population, partnerships like this offer a beacon of hope and paves the way for a brighter, healthier future for all South Africans.
