ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued directives to all medical and dental colleges, emphasising the critical importance of promoting and safeguarding the mental health of students and faculty.

The council has highlighted the need for proactive measures to identify and address mental health concerns, recognising that academic environments in medical and dental colleges are intellectually rigorous and often psychologically demanding.

On the directions of PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj, the directive has been issued in response to growing concerns over the increasing incidence of suicide and severe psychological distress among students. In view of this, all institutions have been directed to implement structured mental health screening protocols.

“Regular mental health screening, along with easy-to-access and well-organised counselling services, will help improve academic performance, support career growth, and greatly enhance the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals,” a PMDC spokesperson said in a statement.

“These screenings are to be conducted at two key stages: first, at the time of student admissions, to identify any pre-existing concerns and provide early support; and additionally, on an annual basis for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as faculty, to promote psychological well-being throughout their academic and professional journey. Institutions have been advised to utilise standardised and validated assessment tools,” Dr Taj said.

PMDC has also directed institutions to promptly refer any student or faculty member identified through these screenings as requiring further evaluation or support to the Department of Psychiatry for comprehensive assessment, appropriate management, and ongoing follow-up.

Furthermore, in accordance with PMDC standards, all institutions are required to establish and maintain a fully functional Department of Psychiatry, along with a dedicated counselling section, to ensure accessible and continuous mental health support services.

“This unit must be adequately staffed and appropriately equipped to deliver confidential psychological support, professional guidance, and timely intervention services. The responsibility for the prevention and management of psychological distress among students and faculty rests with the institutions.” The implementation of systematic mental health screening, coupled with accessible and well-structured counselling services, is expected to enhance academic performance, support professional development, and significantly improve the overall well-being of future healthcare professionals, Dr Taj said.

“All institutions are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with these requirements and to undertake prompt and effective measures for their implementation. This matter must be treated as a priority and executed without delay,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026