The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council convened preliminary hearings to examine a series of grave incidents involving student welfare and professional conduct, with the PMDC hearings aimed at establishing facts before any formal disciplinary action.
Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, President of PMDC, and Registrar Dr. Rehan Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedies and underscored a zero tolerance approach to harassment and negligence in medical and dental institutions. Three separate preliminary hearings were held to ensure a fair and informed assessment prior to referral to the Disciplinary Committee.
The first hearing concerned an operating theatre video leak at Lady Wellington Hospital, Lahore, in which postgraduate trainees circulated an inappropriate video depicting a race between surgeons working on two tables and making callous comments. All five doctors named in the matter attended the hearing, including Dr. Tayaba Fatima, Dr. Zainab Tahir, Dr. Muhammad Essa, Dr. Ayesha Afzal and Dr. Maham Amin. Representatives from the hospital were asked to clarify the sequence of events and the measures taken in response.
The second hearing focused on the suicide of final year MBBS student Ms. Fareeha at Fatima Jinnah Medical College, Lahore. The college principal appeared and outlined the institution’s account so the Council could assess whether there was any negligence or breach of student protection policies. The third hearing reviewed the suicide of third year MBBS student Ms. Fehmida Leghari of Muhammad Medical College, Mirpurkhas, where the principal also presented the college’s explanations and records.
During the PMDC hearings the President carefully reviewed initial findings, sought clarifications from institutional representatives and evaluated the sufficiency of evidence required for formal adjudication. After these preliminary assessments the cases were forwarded to the PMDC Disciplinary Committee for final determination, with that committee scheduled to sit next week.
The Council reiterated that strict action will follow against any individual or institution found responsible for negligence, misconduct or violation of student protection policies. PMDC officials also highlighted the importance of effective grievance redressal mechanisms within colleges and hospitals to prevent such incidents and to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for medical students across Pakistan.
