Advises medical and dental schools to hire counselors to provide physical and mental health support.
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday took notice of the death of a final year medical student of Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Lahore, at the varsity’s premises and sought a report within seven days.
Young Fareeha, identified as a final year MBBS student, fell from the third floor of a college hostel as official sources claimed that the student had reportedly been experiencing depression for some time.
Following the incident, considering the seriousness of the matter and its impact on the student community, the PMDC requested the university to share a factual account of the event so that it can stay informed and, if necessary, provide any appropriate support or guidance.
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The PMDC urged the university 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 inquiry committee constituted, including its composition and terms of reference; any initial findings and/or expected timeline for completing the committee’s report; measures already taken or planned to strengthen student mental health counseling and support services; and security measures in the shelter after this unfortunate event.
In its letter to the university president, the council expressed concern that medical and dental students represented the brightest and most valuable segment of the country’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 well-being of students and ensuring that educational environments remained supportive, safe and responsive to their needs.
He also expressed his deepest condolences and condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them at this difficult time.
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The council recommended all medical and dental colleges to hire qualified counselors/psychologists to provide timely guidance and physical and mental health support to struggling students, establish effective student support mechanisms, including confidential counseling services, and maintain careful monitoring of students’ well-being, with special attention to signs of psychological stress, anxiety, depression and burnout.
He also reiterated that proactive mental health support and timely counseling could play a vital role in preventing such incidents and protecting the lives and future of students.
The PMDC said it would continue to engage with relevant institutions to ensure that appropriate measures were put in place to support the well-being of students and prevent the repetition of such tragedies.
