This letter refers to the news report ‘Fatima Jinnah Medical University student commits suicide’ (February 18, 2026). Our educational institutions, particularly the medical institutions, appear to have witnessed a surge in suicide attempts by students. In most cases, the academic pressure on students, high expectations of parents and peers and financial strains are the primary factors behind such incidents. In the medical and paramedical schools of Pakistan, the students are treated more like machines than human beings. Pedagogical excellence must not overshadow the mental, physical and psychological health of the pupils. Unfortunately, mental health disorders, particularly depression, are not categorised as serious health concerns in our society. As a result, those suffering go unheard.
The need of the hour is to educate society about stress management and mental well-being. There ought to be at least one psychologist in each higher educational institution and students should be encouraged to be open about mental health problems. The medical varsities should also be required to maintain a conducive environment for the students. Only then we can escape from the whirlpool of deteriorating mental health challenges.
Muhammad Wajdan
Faisalabad
