Rawalpindi, Pakistan — In a landmark visit highlighting the growing ties between Ireland and Pakistan in the field of mental health, Her Excellency Mary O’Neill, Ambassador of Ireland to Pakistan, was welcomed at Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) in support of PsycReality, an Irish company pioneering digital mental health solutions on the global stage.
The visit, captured under the banner of PsycReality’s expanding international mission, marked a significant step in fostering academic and clinical collaboration between the Irish health-tech innovator and one of Pakistan’s most distinguished public medical institutions.
A Vision for Collaboration
During the meeting, an action plan was discussed and implemented to establish structured collaboration between PsycReality and RMU’s multidisciplinary faculties, including Psychiatry, Radiology, and Gynaecology. Key areas of focus include psychoeducation, research into women’s health, and a roadmap to inaugurate a digital mental health clinic at the Institute of Psychiatry, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, a WHO Collaboration Centre on Mental Health in the near future.
Bilal Awan, CEO of PsycReality, briefed H.E. Mary O’Neill on the company’s mission, which began in Ireland and has since expanded into multiple regions of the world, with a core focus on academic research and clinical innovation in mental health. The briefing underscored PsycReality’s commitment to bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world mental healthcare delivery.
A Symbolic Gesture of Growth
In a gesture that resonated deeply with the spirit of the occasion, H.E. Mary O’Neill planted a tree on the grounds of Rawalpindi Medical University, a symbolic act reflecting the seeds of partnership being sown between Ireland and Pakistan in the pursuit of better mental health outcomes.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Umer warmly received the delegation, providing a comprehensive overview of RMU’s rich history, guiding the Ambassador on a tour of the campus, and showcasing the university’s remarkable advancements in research and academic excellence.
Looking Ahead
This collaboration represents more than an institutional partnership, it is a statement of intent. With PsycReality’s digital tools and Ireland’s proven expertise in health innovation meeting the clinical depth and academic strength of Rawalpindi Medical University, the groundwork has been laid for a transformative impact on mental health education, research, and patient care in Pakistan.
As PsycReality continues its global expansion, this partnership with RMU stands as a testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.