From Policy to Practice: Health and Wellness of Medical Students and Academia in Pakistan.
Abstract
The mental health and wellbeing of medical students are critical, yet often neglected, dimensions of healthcare education. These scholars encounter unique stressors, such as academic pressure, clinical exposure, financial burden, and the transition from student to practitioner. These challenges contribute to elevated levels of anxiety, burnout, depression, and suicidal ideation. Pakistan Medical & Dental Council's directive of April 2026 mandating mental health screening and counselling services within medical and dental institutions marked a turning point in Pakistani medical education. This editorial discusses the establishment of the JSMU Health & Wellness Centre (JSMU-HWC) at Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, as a comprehensive, institutional initiative that aligns with PM&DC’s standards and global best practices for student and faculty wellbeing.
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