Mahnoor, a fourth-year medical student, dies of heart failure. Students from Avicenna Medical College in Lahore blame abusive and disturbing management, professors, and the principal, calling out for justice.
Students of Avicenna Medical College in Lahore are stepping forward and voicing their concerns following what is being termed as a mysterious death.
Allegations against the college are numerous and similar. According to a social media post, the details are of the passing of a fourth-year medical student named Mahnoor. Initially reported due to heart failure, certain reports suggest the possibility of suicide, some students claim. The post alleges that Mahnoor had been feeling unwell on Thursday and had requested a leave, but was denied medical leave and passed away on Friday before she could even go in.
However, reports of alleged wrongdoing at the college extend beyond the incident involving Mahnoor. The mysterious death of student Mahnoor Nadeem, is followed by unsettling accounts from her peers. While some students spoke out against mistreatment at Avicenna Medical College, others directly implicated Abdul Waheed Shaikh, the college’s chairman. Social media posts revealed instances where students had their shirts ripped and phones smashed for breaking rules. They were also reportedly subjected to sitting on cold floors for up to four hours as punishment, a practice referred to as the ‘Pink List’
The Post In Question & What All It Detailed
The post shared details about the alleged disturbing behavior of the staff and administration, ranging from the principal’s physical and verbal abuse to imposing unjust heavy fines. Additionally, his daughters were reportedly spearheading the leave department and financial matters, exacerbating the students’ misery. The college was accused of denying leaves even in urgent situations and consistently imposing unfair fines, while boasting about their lack of assistance.
Students allegedly faced hefty fines for minor violations. According to the post, Mahnoor’s last fine amounted to a staggering Rs92,000, despite her being a bright student who had never been absent, missed classes, or failed exams. This Monday, students gathered in front of the college, carrying posters and signs calling for an investigation into the college’s affairs. Some signs also demanded ‘Justice for Mahnoor.’ Thousands of tweets are being shared online by medical students, doctors, journalists, and rights activists.
Reports Of Mentally Abusive Behaviour Exhibited By Professors Too
Reportedly, a professor accused of sexual harassment at a previous educational institution is a part of the faculty too and is currently teaching at the college. He is known for mentally abusing his students, and allegations have been made that he imposes heavy fines even for things, such as smiling, and turns off fans during lengthy lectures. Additionally, it was claimed that the students’ social media accounts are being monitored to suppress opposition.
Has Any Action Been Taken?
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has addressed the concerning complaints raised by students of Avicenna Medical College regarding the imposition of hefty fines, harassment, and severe punishments. Furthermore, it has issued directions to all affiliated public and private sector medical colleges in Punjab to establish ‘Students Counseling Cells (SCCs)’.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has initiated an investigation into the tragic death of the female student to determine the facts surrounding the incident. The Avicenna Medical College has been directed to give its point of view within 72 hours so that the matter can be resolved.
Some are wondering why it took so long for people to finally take notice of this issue. We presume this delay could be attributed to the general image and appeal of studying medicine, which is often associated with prestige and a positive perception. Additionally, it is difficult for abuses like this to come to light and reach the general public when access to social media is restricted, in this case the students social media accounts being heavily monitored.
Source: AAJ News, The News, Dawn
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