ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has made mental health screening protocols mandatory in medical colleges amid increasing cases of suicide and psychological stress among medical students.
The council has issued formal directives to medical institutions, instructing them to take immediate steps to safeguard the mental well-being of both students and faculty.
According to the PMDC president, mental health assessments will be conducted at the time of admission and on an annual basis thereafter.
Regular screening will help ensure timely identification and treatment of psychological issues.
The council has also made it compulsory for institutions to establish Departments of Psychiatry and dedicated counseling sections.
— Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (@pmdcofficial) April 29, 2026Students and teachers experiencing mental stress are to be referred to qualified psychologists.
PMDC emphasized that effective counseling and screening will not only improve academic performance but also enhance professional capabilities.
Institutions have been directed to provide confidential, high-quality psychological support with adequate facilities and trained staff.
The council warned that immediate implementation of these measures is mandatory, adding that any delay will not be tolerated.