Pakistan Medical and Dental Council sought a detailed report from Fatima Jinnah Medical College after a 22-year-old final-year student died, urging stronger mental health safeguards across medical institutions.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council expressed deep sorrow on Thursday over the death of a 22-year-old final-year student at Fatima Jinnah Medical College Lahore and directed the institution to submit a factual report within seven days.PMDC announces delay in Medical Test for Two Weeks
In a statement issued from Islamabad on February 19, 2026, the council conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength during what it described as a profoundly difficult time. The regulator said the incident had shaken the student community and warranted careful review.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council asked the college administration to share key details of the incident, including the date, time and brief circumstances recorded by the institution. It also sought information on any inquiry or fact-finding committee formed, its composition and terms of reference, and the expected timeline for submission of its report.
The council requested disclosure of any initial findings, as well as steps taken or planned to enhance student mental health services and hostel safety measures following the incident. It said the aim was to remain informed and extend guidance or support where necessary.
Medical and dental students represent a critical component of Pakistan’s future healthcare workforce, the council noted. Incidents involving student wellbeing are alarming and underscore gaps in campus support systems.
According to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data, Pakistan has over 170 recognized medical and dental colleges enrolling tens of thousands of students nationwide. The Higher Education Commission has repeatedly emphasized student counselling frameworks in universities, but implementation varies across institutions.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council regulates more than 190,000 registered doctors and dentists across the country. In recent years, it has expanded oversight of institutional standards, faculty requirements and student welfare policies. The regulator was reconstituted under the PM&DC Act 2022, which restored its statutory authority after a period of administrative restructuring.
Mental health challenges among medical students have gained attention globally. A 2023 review published in international medical journals found high levels of anxiety, depression and burnout among medical trainees. Long academic hours, clinical exposure and competitive pressures contribute to psychological stress. Pakistani psychiatrists have also highlighted stigma and limited counselling access as barriers to seeking timely help.
The council advised all medical and dental colleges to appoint qualified counsellors and psychologists to provide confidential guidance and early intervention services. It urged institutions to establish structured student support mechanisms and maintain vigilant monitoring of student wellbeing.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council specifically called for closer attention to signs of psychological stress, anxiety, depression and burnout. Proactive mental health care and timely counselling can prevent tragic outcomes, it said.
Provincial health departments have in recent years promoted mental health awareness campaigns, yet dedicated campus-based services remain uneven. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 24 million people in Pakistan may require mental health support, while the number of trained psychiatrists remains limited relative to population needs.
Education experts argue that structured peer-support groups and crisis hotlines can complement formal counselling systems. Some public universities in Punjab and Sindh have begun integrating mental health desks within student affairs departments following policy guidance from provincial higher education authorities.
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council said it would continue engaging with relevant institutions to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented. The regulator emphasized that safeguarding physical and mental wellbeing is central to maintaining safe and supportive educational environments.
The council reiterated that protecting the lives and future of medical students remains a priority. It pledged ongoing oversight to prevent recurrence of such tragedies and to strengthen mental health safeguards across Pakistan’s medical colleges.
