The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has mandated all medical and dental colleges to implement structured mental health screening protocols in response to increasing concerns over rising suicide rates and severe psychological distress among students.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the council highlighted the vital need to promote and protect the mental well-being of both students and faculty, acknowledging the intense and psychologically demanding nature of medical education environments.
PMDC instructed institutions to take proactive steps to detect and address mental health challenges early. It emphasized that regular screenings combined with accessible counselling services would not only enhance students’ mental health but also positively impact their academic achievements and professional growth.
The directive specifies that mental health assessments should be conducted at two critical points: initially during student admission to identify any existing concerns, and subsequently on an annual basis for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members.
Institutions are required to employ standardized and validated tools for these evaluations. Individuals identified as needing additional support must be referred to a Department of Psychiatry for thorough assessment, treatment, and ongoing care.
Furthermore, the PMDC has instructed all medical and dental colleges to establish and maintain fully operational psychiatry departments along with dedicated counselling services. These units must be adequately staffed and equipped to provide confidential psychological support and timely interventions.
The council stressed that the responsibility for preventing and managing psychological distress rests with the institutions themselves. It called for immediate and strict adherence to the new guidelines, labeling this initiative as a top priority to be implemented without delay.
In a significant development, PMDC expects these measures to strengthen mental health support systems throughout medical education institutions, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals.
