Avicenna Medical College responds to allegations amid student protests

Lahore: Avicenna Medical College on Monday issued a statement countering allegations raised by a student who was expelled for disciplinary reasons.

The college revealed additional information regarding its educational standards and the circumstances surrounding the recent protests, which it described as "staged."

The reaction follows protests by students citing grievances over what they termed as "strict discipline," which they claimed had caused mental stress and allegedly led to five deaths over the past few years.

Chairperson Dr. Shandana Sheikh provided insight into the background of the student at the center of the controversy, identified only as [name withheld]. Initially a promising football player and class representative, the student's academic performance suffered following a leg injury, leading to fear of failure and depression.

A disciplinary committee meeting was convened on February 28 to address harassment allegations against the student, along with previous disciplinary infractions. Despite undergoing psychiatric treatment and showing signs of academic improvement, the student was involved in multiple disciplinary and harassment cases, including expulsion from Liaqat Medical University, Karachi.

Based on thorough deliberation and consideration of the student's psychiatric and behavioral issues, the Discipline Committee recommended informing the student's parents of the proceedings and termination of his enrollment due to concerns about potential future threats to colleagues and patients.

The college, drawing on interviews with students, revealed that the expelled student attempted to link a student's death to the college's disciplinary policies, a claim subsequently refuted by the University of Health Sciences.

While some students expressed reservations about strict penalties, others recognized their role in fostering professionalism. "Any measure that reinforces our commitment to our studies serves as a guiding light, steering us away from distractions," remarked one student.