Advises medical and dental schools to hire counselors to provide mental and physical health support
ISLAMABAD:
The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday took notice that a final year medical student of Lahore’s Fatima Jinnah Medical University died on the university 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 in the university as official sources claimed that the student had reportedly been experiencing depression for some time.
Following the incident, taking into account the seriousness of the matter and its impact on the student community, the PMDC requested the college to share a factual account of the event so that it can 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 date, time and brief circumstances of the incident as per institutional records; details of any inquiry or committee of inquiry established, including its composition and terms of reference; any preliminary findings and/or the expected timetable for the completion of the committee’s report; steps already taken or planned to strengthen student mental health support and counseling services; and security measures at the hostel after this unfortunate event.
In its letter to the university chancellor, the council expressed concern that medical and dental students represented the brightest and most valuable segment of the country’s future health workforce. Incidents of this nature were deeply alarming and underscored the urgent need to strengthen student support systems in medical and dental institutions.
The PMDC said it was focused on safeguarding and protecting the physical and mental well-being of students and ensuring educational environments remain supportive, safe and responsive to their needs.
It also expressed its deep sympathy and extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and patience for them during this difficult time.
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The council advised all medical and dental schools to employ qualified counselors/psychologists to provide timely guidance and mental and physical health support to students in need, establish effective student support mechanisms, including confidential counseling services, and maintain vigilant monitoring of student well-being with particular attention to signs of psychological stress, anxiety, burnout, depression and.
It also reiterated that proactive mental health support and timely counseling could play a vital role in preventing such incidents and protecting students’ lives and futures.
The PMDC said it would continue to engage with relevant institutions to ensure that appropriate measures were implemented to support student well-being and prevent the recurrence of such tragedies.
