The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had taken notice of the female student’s death at Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU) Lahore, and asked the institution to submit a detailed report within seven days.
Pakistan’s medical regulator has sought a detailed report after a 22-year-old student died at a medical university in Lahore.
The student, identified as Fareeha Afrahim, was a final-year MBBS student and was staying at the university’s government hostel.
What happened?
The incident took place on Tuesday evening at the university hostel in Lahore.
According to university officials, the student fell from an upper floor of the building.
Initial reports suggested she may have slipped, but police and university authorities later indicated that it was a deliberate act.
She was taken to Sir Ganga Ram Hospital soon after the fall. Doctors said she had suffered severe head injuries and significant blood loss.
Despite treatment in the intensive care unit, she died later that night.
She was 22 years old and originally from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
PMDC seeks details
In a letter issued on Thursday, the PMDC registrar directed the university principal to provide a full account of the incident, citing its seriousness and the possible impact on other students.
The council asked the university to share:
- The date, time and circumstances of the incident, based on official records
- Details of any inquiry or fact-finding committee, including its members and terms of reference
- Initial findings and the expected timeline for the final report
- Steps taken or planned to strengthen counselling and mental health support
- Safety measures were introduced in the hostel after the incident
The PMDC said the information would help it remain informed and offer guidance or support if needed.
Concerns about student well-being
Separately, the council advised medical and dental colleges across Pakistan to improve student support systems.
It urged institutions to hire qualified counsellors and psychologists, set up confidential counselling services, and pay closer attention to signs of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout among students.
Fareeha had recently appeared for a surgery paper and had expressed concerns about her performance, according to reports.
Authorities said the reasons behind her actions were still under investigation.
The case followed other recent reports of attempted suicides involving students in Lahore.
Officials said timely counselling and proactive mental health support could play an important role in preventing similar incidents in the future.
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