PMDC Orders Mental Health Screening at Medical and Dental Institutions

Mental Health Screening Made Mandatory in Medical Education

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken a decisive step to safeguard the mental well-being of students and faculty across medical and dental institutions. In response to growing concerns over suicides and severe psychological distress, the council has ordered structured mental health screening protocols to be implemented nationwide.

According to the directive, screenings will be conducted at two critical stages. The first will take place at the time of admission, ensuring that any existing mental health concerns are identified early. The second will be carried out annually for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as faculty members. This proactive approach aims to detect issues before they escalate, providing timely support and intervention.

The PMDC has instructed institutions to use standardized and validated assessment tools for these screenings. Any student or faculty member identified as needing further evaluation must be referred immediately to the Department of Psychiatry for comprehensive assessment, management, and follow-up care.

To support this initiative, all medical and dental colleges are required to establish fully functional psychiatry departments and dedicated counselling units. These facilities must be properly staffed and equipped to provide confidential psychological assistance, professional guidance, and timely interventions.

The council emphasized that the responsibility for preventing and managing psychological distress rests with the institutions themselves. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory, and colleges have been directed to treat this matter as a priority.

This directive follows several tragic incidents involving students in Lahore and Mirpurkhas earlier this year, underscoring the urgent need for systemic mental health support. By introducing structured screening and accessible counselling, PMDC aims to improve academic performance, support career development, and enhance the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals.

With these reforms, Pakistan’s medical education system is taking a critical step toward addressing mental health challenges, ensuring that students and faculty receive the support they need in demanding academic environments.