JSMU tackles silent burnout crisis head-on

Pledges to confront rising mental stress among future doctors

KARACHI:

Addressing the growing and often silent crisis of stress and burnout in medical education, Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) on the occasion of World Health & Wellness Day 2026 announced the establishment of a JSMU Health and Wellness Centre, alongside the launch of a campus-wide Wellness Pledge.

The initiatives were led by renowned national professor Dr M Iqbal Afridi, in collaboration with the Internal Medicine Interest Group (SMC-JSMU). This year's theme focused on "Integrating Happiness and Sustainable Health Practices into Daily Life."

Dr Afridi noted that in today's fast-paced world, especially within the medical profession, mental stress is often normalised, burnout is ignored, and fatigue is silently endured. He stressed the need to break this cycle by equipping future doctors with practical coping strategies through expert-led interventions.

As part of the program, clinical psychologist Dr Yasmeen Khan conducted an interactive session on mindfulness and breathing techniques, while Dr Muhammad Khan, Director IPTTR-JSMU, demonstrated physical exercises aimed at reducing stress.

Experts highlighted global data showing that most mental health conditions begin before the age of 24, with nearly 40% of young people experiencing depression before turning 20 - underscoring the vulnerability of university students.

JSMU Vice Chancellor Prof Amjad Siraj Memon said the newly established centre would provide direct access to psychological and mental health services for students and faculty on campus. "We are ensuring that no one suffers in silence," he said.