Avicenna Medical College officials appear in PMDC probe into student demise case

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) took notice of the matter and has conducted an investigation of the tragic demise of a medical student in Avicenna Medical College Lahore, PMDC said in a press release.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council conducted a disciplinary committee hearing aimed to probe the circumstances surrounding the Avicenna Medical College incident and to ensure accountability and adherence to the highest standards of medical education and student welfare.

On April 26, 2024, a fourth-year medical student at Avicenna Medical College, identified as Mahnoor Nadeem was found deceased in their dormitory under circumstances that have raised significant concerns among students, faculty, and the public, the statement added. “The initial reports suggest possible negligence in providing adequate mental health support and campus safety measures.”

Furthermore, PMDC took notice of the matter regarding the alleged misconduct and mistreatment of the aforementioned medical college towards students. “In line with its commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient care, the PM&DC has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident,” it added.

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In this regard, the officials of Aviceen Medical College were called to appear in front of the Disciplinary Committee hearing at PM&DC. President PMDC chaired the hearing whereas other members of the committee also attended the meeting.

The Disciplinary committee aims to establish a clear timeline and identify any lapses in protocol or support systems that may have contributed to the student’s demise followed by determining the extent of the college’s responsibility in providing a safe and supportive environment for its students, to evaluate the existing policies and procedures at Avicenna Medical College regarding student mental health services and campus safety, and to recommend necessary improvements, to hold accountable any individuals or entities found to be negligent in their duties, and to implement corrective measures to prevent future incidents, the statement said.

PMDC President, Prof Dr. Rizwan Taj stated, “The loss of a young life is a tragedy beyond words. We are committed to ensuring that all medical institutions in Pakistan uphold the highest standards of care and support for their students. This hearing is a crucial step in addressing the concerns raised by this unfortunate event and in preventing such incidents in the future.”

PMDC has requested the students of Avicenna Medical College to also appear in front of the disciplinary committee so that the matter can be investigated further in a more transparent manner.