PMDC moves to act on suicide, misconduct cases

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Monday held preliminary hearings in three high-profile cases — including the suicides of two medical students allegedly linked to harassment — and referred them to its Disciplinary Committee for final decisions.

PMDC President Rizwan Taj and Registrar Rehan Naqvi expressed grief over the incidents, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance on harassment and institutional negligence. The Disciplinary Committee is expected to meet next week.

According to an official statement, the preliminary proceedings were aimed at establishing a clear factual basis before formal action. Representatives from the relevant institutions were called to present their accounts, allowing the council to assess evidence and clarify key details.

The first case pertained to the “OT video leak scandal” at Lady Wellington Hospital, where five doctors — Dr Tayaba Fatima, Dr Zainab Tahir, Dr Muhammad Essa, Dr Ayesha Afzal and Dr Maham Amin — appeared before the council. The case involves a viral video showing postgraduate trainees allegedly engaging in inappropriate behaviour during surgical procedures.

The second hearing focused on the suicide of Fareeha, a final-year MBBS student at Fatima Jinnah Medical College, while the third examined the death of Fehmida Leghari, a third-year student at Muhammad Medical College. Principals of both institutions appeared to present their positions and explain the circumstances surrounding the incidents.

Following the hearings, the PMDC chief referred all three cases to the Disciplinary Committee for adjudication.

“The Council will ensure strict action against any individual or institution found responsible for negligence, misconduct or violation of student protection policies,” the statement said, adding that strengthening grievance redressal systems and ensuring safe learning environments remained a priority.