Annual Screening to Identify Mental Health Risks
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has ordered annual mental health screening for medical and dental students across the country.
The initiative will cover around 22,500 students, along with faculty members and staff at medical and dental institutions.
The screening aims to identify psychological distress, emotional difficulties and suicide risk at an early stage. Authorities said early identification can help individuals receive support before their conditions become more serious.
PMDC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj announced the initiative while speaking at the Pakistan Global Mental Health Summit 2026.
Mental Health Education Expanded
Prof. Taj said mental health has also been introduced as an independent and compulsory subject in undergraduate medical and dental education.
The council has increased mental health teaching from 50 hours to 175 hours. It also plans to increase the teaching requirement to 200 hours.
The move is aimed at giving future doctors and dentists stronger knowledge of mental health conditions. It will also help them identify psychological problems and respond to patients who may require support.
The announcement comes as Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal launched the National Mental Health Policy 2026-2035 at the same summit.
Colleges Directed to Establish Support Centres
The PMDC has also directed medical and dental colleges to establish primary mental health care centres.
These centres will provide initial support and referral services to students, faculty, staff and others who require assistance.
The council said the screening and support system is intended to strengthen mental health services within medical and dental institutions.
The measures represent a broader effort to make mental health support part of medical education and institutional care.
