The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) held a disciplinary committee hearing regarding the recent death of a student at a private medical college in Lahore. The council has decided to summon students of the college to gather their perspectives on the matter.
The objective of the hearing was to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensuring accountability, and maintaining the highest standards of medical education and student welfare.
On April 26, Mahnoor Nadeem, a fourth-year student at Avicenna Medical College Lahore, was discovered deceased in the dormitory, raising concerns among students, faculty, and the public. Initial reports suggested possible negligence in providing adequate mental health support and campus safety measures.
As the apex regulatory body for medical and dental education, the PMDC took note of the alleged misconduct and mistreatment by the medical college toward its students.
A statement released by the PMDC emphasized its commitment to upholding professionalism, ethics, and patient care. The council initiated a thorough investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
College officials were summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee hearing at the PMDC, chaired by the president and attended by committee members.
The Disciplinary Committee’s objectives include establishing a timeline, identifying protocol or support system lapses contributing to the student’s demise, determining the college’s responsibility in providing a safe and supportive environment, evaluating existing policies regarding student mental health services and campus safety, recommending necessary improvements, holding accountable negligent individuals or entities, and implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents.
PMDC President Prof Dr. Rizwan Taj expressed deep regret over the loss of a young life and affirmed the commitment to ensuring that all medical institutions in Pakistan maintain high standards of care and support for their students.
The PMDC has requested students of the medical college to also appear before the disciplinary committee to facilitate a more transparent investigation.
The investigation will focus on evaluating institutional practices and policies concerning student welfare and ensuring compliance. The PMDC will collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents and fostering a supportive learning environment for medical students nationwide.
