PMDC orders mental health screening at medical, dental institutions

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Wednesday instructed all medical and dental colleges to put in place structured mental health screening protocols, citing rising concern over suicide cases and serious psychological distress among students.

In a statement, the council stressed the importance of protecting the mental well-being of both students and faculty members. Medical and dental colleges were academically demanding environments and called for proactive steps to detect and address mental health issues at an early stage.

The PMDC said, “Keeping in view all institutions have been directed to implement structured mental health screening protocols,” adding that regular screening and accessible counselling services could help improve academic outcomes, support professional development and strengthen the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals.

Screening at admission and annually

According to the handout, the screenings are to be carried out at two stages. The first is at the time of admission so that any existing concerns can be identified and early support can be provided. The second is on an annual basis for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members.

The council advised institutions to “utilise standardised and validated assessment tools” for this purpose.

It also directed colleges to immediately refer any student or faculty member identified through screening as needing further evaluation or support to the Department of Psychiatry for comprehensive assessment, suitable management and continued follow-up.

Psychiatry departments and counselling units required

The PMDC said that, in line with its standards, all institutions must establish and maintain a fully functional Department of Psychiatry along with a dedicated counselling section to ensure continuous and accessible mental health support.

The statement said these departments should be properly staffed and equipped to provide confidential psychological assistance, professional guidance and timely intervention services. “the responsibility for the prevention and management of psychological distress among students and faculty rests with the institutions”.

“All institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with these requirements and undertake prompt and effective measures for their implementation. This matter must be treated as a priority and executed without delay,” the statement concluded.

Recent cases cited in report

The development comes after several recent incidents involving students. In January, a student at a private university in Lahore attempted suicide by jumping from the second floor. A month before that, a male student at the same university died after jumping from the fourth floor of the varsity.

In February, a female student died after jumping from the fourth floor of a hostel at Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore. Earlier this month, a medical student at Muhammad Medical College in Mirpurkhas also died by suicide.

The PMDC said systematic mental health screening, together with organised and accessible counselling services, was expected to improve academic performance, support career growth and significantly enhance the well-being of future healthcare professionals.