Advises medical and dental colleges to hire counsellors to provide mental and physical health support
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday took notice of the death of a final-year medical student of Lahore’s Fatima Jinnah Medical University, on the varsity premises and sought a report within seven days.
Young Fareeha, identified as a final-year MBBS student, fell from the third floor of a hostel at the university, as official sources claimed that the student had reportedly been experiencing depression for some time.
Following the incident, taking the seriousness of the matter and its impact on the student community into account, the PMDC requested the college to share a factual account of the event so that it may remain informed and, if necessary, extend any appropriate support or guidance.
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The PMDC urged the college to share relevant details within seven days, including the date, time, and brief circumstances of the incident as per institutional records; details of any inquiry or fact-finding committee constituted, including its composition and terms of reference; any initial findings and/or the expected timeline for completion of the committee’s report; steps already taken or planned to strengthen student mental health support and counselling services; and safety measures in the hostel following this unfortunate event.
In its letter to the principal of the university, the council expressed concern that medical and dental students represented the brightest and most valuable segment of the nation’s future healthcare workforce. Incidents of this nature were deeply alarming and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen student support systems in medical and dental institutions.
The PMDC said it was focused on protecting and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of students and ensuring that educational environments remained supportive, safe and responsive to their needs.
It also expressed its deep condolences and extended sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them in this difficult time.
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The council advised all medical and dental colleges to hire qualified counsellors/psychologists to provide timely guidance and mental and physical health support to students in distress, establish effective student support mechanisms, including confidential counselling services, and maintain vigilant monitoring of student wellbeing, with special attention to signs of psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.
It also reiterated that proactive mental health support and timely counselling could play a critical role in preventing such incidents and in protecting the lives and future of students.
The PMDC said it would continue to engage with relevant institutions to ensure appropriate measures were implemented to support student wellbeing and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
