Dozens of students from a private medical college in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) staged a protest on Monday, alleging the death of a female peer under mysterious circumstances and accusing the college owner and some teachers of enforcing ‘rigorous discipline’ on campus.
The student’s death and the subsequent protest prompted the administration to accept a ‘charge-sheet’ and issue a notification to address the protesters’ concerns.
According to reports, the students gathered on a road, chanting slogans, claiming it was the fifth such incident at Avicenna Medical College in recent years. The female student who died was reportedly under mental stress due to ‘humiliating’ behavior by a teacher and the management.
The protesters blamed the toxic environment created by the college owner, controversial institute policies, and rude behavior of some medical teachers. They specifically accused Prof. Masood Nizam Tabassum of harassment and misuse of authority.
Allegations of harassment and mistreatment prompted students from other private medical colleges to join the protest. The protesters demanded action from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding the alleged wrongdoings in the college, particularly regarding the collection of fines.
In response to the protest, the college management issued a notification announcing permanent changes in the institute’s policies. These changes included the removal of Prof. Masood Nizam Tabassum from teaching and academic activities, withdrawal of the fine policy, and adherence to the leave and attendance policy issued by the University of Health Sciences.
Additionally, the notification stated that the college administration would ensure that no student suffered from psychological, financial, or academic torture. It also mentioned the formation of a student committee to discuss grievances and problems on a monthly basis.
Despite these changes, the notification did not address the investigation into the girl’s death.
