BeNewz
Related Articles
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has directed all medical and dental colleges across the country to implement mandatory mental health screening and counseling services for students and faculty, citing growing concerns over mental illness and student suicides.
In a circular issued, PM&DC instructed principals and deans of all medical and dental institutions to establish structured mental health screening protocols and ensure timely psychological support for those in need.
According to the directive, mental health assessments must be conducted at two critical stages: during student admissions to identify any pre-existing psychological concerns and annually for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members to monitor their mental well-being throughout their academic and professional careers.
The council advised institutions to use internationally recognized screening tools, including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Beck Suicide Inventory. Individuals identified as requiring further evaluation or support must be referred to psychiatry departments for assessment, treatment, and follow-up.
PM&DC also made it mandatory for all medical and dental colleges to establish fully functional Psychiatry Departments along with Counseling Sections. These units must be adequately staffed and equipped to provide confidential psychological counseling, guidance, and intervention services.
The council emphasized that safeguarding the mental health of students and faculty is a responsibility of educational institutions, particularly in the demanding academic environment of medical education. It noted that increasing public concern and legislative attention regarding mental health challenges and student suicides have made immediate action necessary.
PM&DC stated that systematic mental health screening and accessible counseling services would not only improve academic performance and professional development but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals.
The regulatory body has directed all institutions to ensure strict compliance with the new requirements and implement the measures on an urgent basis without delay. Copies of the directive have also been sent to affiliated universities, the Ministry of National Health Services, and relevant PM&DC departments for monitoring and enforcement.
