ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has directed all medical and dental institutions across the country to implement structured mental health screening protocols for students and faculty members, citing growing concerns over rising cases of suicide and severe psychological distress in academic settings.
According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, the directive was issued on the instructions of Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President of PM&DC, who emphasized the urgent need to promote and safeguard mental well-being in medical and dental colleges.
The council stated that medical and dental institutions are academically demanding environments where students and faculty often face intense psychological pressure. In response, institutions have been instructed to adopt proactive measures for early identification and management of mental health concerns.
Under the new policy, mental health screenings will be conducted at two stages. The first screening will take place at the time of admissions to identify any pre-existing concerns and provide timely support. The second will be carried out annually for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as faculty members to promote continued psychological well-being.
Institutions have been advised to use standardized and validated assessment tools and ensure confidentiality during the screening process.
PM&DC has further directed colleges to immediately refer any student or faculty member requiring additional support to their Psychiatry Department for detailed evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care.
The council also made it mandatory for all institutions to establish and maintain fully functional Psychiatry Departments along with dedicated counseling sections to provide accessible and continuous mental health services.
According to PM&DC, these units must be properly staffed and equipped to offer confidential counseling, professional guidance, and timely intervention services.
The council said institutions would be responsible for preventing and managing psychological distress among students and faculty and must ensure immediate compliance with the directives.
