Avicenna College case: PMDC to initiate probe into girl’s death

The Avicenna Medical College continues to spiral deeper into controversy with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) taking notice of the death of a female student, and launching a probe into the matter, reports Dawn.

On the other hand, University of Health Sciences (UHS) has taken up the serious complaints of students about imposition of heavy fines, harassment, torture and physical punishments. It has directed all the affiliated public and private sector medical colleges of Punjab to establish ‘Students Counselling Cells (SCCs)’, to be constituted of senior faculty members, including teachers from the psychiatry departments, besides the students themselves to address the issues of harassment of any kind and other such complaints. It declared the setting up of cells mandatory to prevent incidents like the one that recently surfaced at the Avicenna Medical College in Lahore.

The decision was made in a meeting chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, exclusively called after the mysterious death of a girl student, Mahnoor Nadeem, of the Avicenna Medical College, followed by a protest by its students.

The students had alleged that the girl had died due to mental stress she had to suffer in the ‘toxic environment’ created by the college management. They condemned the college’s owner and the faculty for imposing heavy fines, ranging from Rs50,000 to Rs100,000, and strict punishments and humiliation.

“It is our duty to ensure the holistic well-being of our students, particularly in light of the demanding nature of professional education in the medical and dental fields,” reads a letter issued by the Vice Chancellor to all the 12 public and 44 private medical institutes of Punjab. The letter was addressed to the principals of the medical colleges.

“I am writing to emphasize the importance of paying special attention to the psychological well-being of our students. The rigors of professional education can often take a toll on their mental health, and it is imperative that we provide them with the necessary support and guidance to navigate through these challenges successfully,” reads the letter.

The UHS VC urged the principals to consider establishing a dedicated students counselling cell at their institutions.

Answer within 72 hours

Additionally, the Avicenna Medical College has been directed to give its point of view within 72 hours so that responsibility could be ascertained.
“The PMDC, as the apex regulatory body for medical and dental education in Pakistan, is deeply saddened by the loss of a promising medical student and extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this unfortunate incident.

“In line with its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient care, the PMDC has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident,” the statement issued by the council stated.

PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj stated, “We are deeply concerned about the circumstances leading to the untimely demise of a medical student and are committed to ensuring that justice is served. The welfare and well-being of students are of paramount importance to us, and any form of misconduct or mistreatment will not be tolerated.”

He also added that Mahnoor’s family will be welcomed to reach the council to file the complaint.

The PMDC will also collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.