LAHORE: The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has taken up the serious complaints of students of the Avicenna Medical College about imposition of heavy fines, harassment and excessive punishments and issued directions to all the affiliated public and private sector medical colleges of Punjab to establish ‘Students Counselling Cells (SCCs)’.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken notice of death of girl student and launched a probe into the matter to ascertain facts.

The UHS said the counselling cells must be represented by the senior faculty members, including the 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 the incidents like the one that recently surfaced at the Avicenna Medical College, DHA.

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

PMDC launches probe into girl’s death

The students 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.

An official told Dawn that according to the standard practices, fine imposed on absence from class should not exceed Rs1,000 and the complaints launched by the students of the college in question were based on facts.

Similarly, he said, the institute or the teachers had no right to give physical or mental punishment to students over any negligence or complaint and they were bound to follow the guidelines or standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the UHS.

“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 UHS VC 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.

“This cell will serve as a vital resource for students, staff, and faculty alike, providing them with a safe and confidential space to address any personal, emotional, social, familial, peer-related, or academic concerns they may have,” the letter states.

The UHS recommends appointing a senior faculty member as the counselor, having requisite expertise and training in counselling, as well as a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by students. The counselors should also be well-versed in the protocols and practices of student counseling and they should be provided with a dedicated office space.

For counseling purposes, the students might be referred by the hostel management, principal, faculty, staff, peers, or through self-referral to the student affairs department, the UHS declares. Faculty and staff members are required to inform the student affairs department about any student in need of support and the department will then communicate the details of the individual requiring counseling to the counseling cell.

“I must advise that given the sensitive nature of personal interactions, it is essential to address instances of harassment promptly and effectively within our academic community,” reads the UHS VC’s letter.

Any complaints regarding harassment whether sexual, verbal, or any other form, should be taken seriously and handled with the utmost sensitivity and care.

“We must adhere strictly to the policy of the Higher Education Commission on harassment ensuring a fair and impartial investigation while safeguarding the well-being and confidentiality of the individuals involved.

“The establishment of the Student Counselling Cell further reinforces our commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all members of our institution”, the UHS VC states.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has taken notice of the death of a medical student allegedly due to mistreatment of the students by the private college administration and launched an investigation.

The Avicenna Medical College has been directed to give its point of view within 72 hours so that the responsibility could be fixed.

“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 the family of the deceased will be welcomed to reach the council to file the complaint.

The investigation will focus on evaluating the institutional practices and policies concerning student welfare, ensuring compliance. Additionally, the PMDC will collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to implement measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

Ikram Junaidi contributed to this report from Islamabad

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2024